Related Experiment Videos
The science identity and entering a science occupation
Jan E Stets1, Philip S Brenner2, Peter J Burke1
1University of California, Riverside, United States.
Social Science Research
|April 3, 2017
Summary
A science identity positively influences students entering STEM careers. This identity also mediates educational success, guiding students into science occupations across educational and economic sectors.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology of Education
- STEM Workforce Development
Background:
- National focus on increasing students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
- Underrepresented students in STEM face unique challenges.
- Limited research on the role of social psychological processes in STEM career pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of science identity on entering STEM occupations.
- Examine how identity processes influence science activity among young students.
- Determine if educational identity persists into economic settings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal panel data from a national study.
- Focused on underrepresented college students in STEM.
- Analyzed the influence of identity processes on career entry.
Main Results:
- Science identity positively impacts the likelihood of entering a science occupation.
- Science identity acts as a mediator for educational success.
- Identity formulated in education influences behavior in the economy.
Conclusions:
- Science identity is a crucial factor in STEM workforce participation.
- Identity processes can bridge educational and economic institutional domains.
- Understanding social psychological factors is key to STEM pipeline initiatives.