Scientific Eminence: Where Are the Women?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Scientometrics
• Gender Studies in Science

Background:

• Women are underrepresented in recognized eminent psychologists.
• The majority of current psychology doctorates are earned by women, suggesting potential future shifts in eminence.
• Historical context shows fewer women in the field during the formative years of currently eminent psychologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether women will dominate future eminent psychologist cohorts.
• To compare publication metrics (h index) between active female and male psychology professors.
• To interpret observed gender gaps in scientific eminence.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of publication metrics, specifically the h index, for active female and male psychology professors.
• Evaluation of potential gender bias in grant acquisition, paper publication, and citation rates.
• Consideration of social norms related to gender and science, and individual career choices.

Main Results:

• Men currently outperform women on the h index.
• Gender disparities exist in both scientific productivity and the citation impact of contributions.
• Publication metrics suggest a continued male advantage in scientific eminence.

Conclusions:

• Gender gaps in publication metrics (h index, productivity, citations) persist among active psychology professors.
• Potential contributing factors include gender bias in academic systems and individual career decisions.
• Further investigation is required to fully understand the complex interplay of factors influencing women's attainment of scientific eminence in psychology.