Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Bridging the Technology Divide in the COVID-19 Era: Using Virtual Outreach to Expose Middle and High School Students to Imaging Technology
Published on: September 28, 2022
Individual differences in preferences for matched-ethnic mentors among high-achieving ethnically diverse adolescents
Moin Syed1, Barbara K Goza, Martin M Chemers
1Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. moin@umn.edu
Abstract:
This short-term longitudinal study examined (a) adolescents' contact with mentors who share their background in relation to the importance they place on having such mentors, and (b) the associations of these perceptions with self-efficacy, identity, and commitment to a science career. Participants were 265 ethnically diverse adolescents (M age = 15.82) attending a 4-week science education program. Cluster analyses indicated that at Time 1, underrepresented ethnic minorities were more often in the cluster defined by feelings of importance of having a matched-background mentor but not having much contact. Perceptions of contact increased over time for these students and were associated with increased feelings of identity as a science student. The results suggest the need for attending to individual differences in students' preferences for matched-background mentors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Surveys
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Close Relationships and Culture
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...

