"Scientists are People too": Biology Students Relate More to Scientists When They are Humanized in Course Materials.

Area of Science:

• Science education
• Biology education
• Scientist role models

Background:

• Classroom materials featuring scientists can help students see themselves in science.
• Current understanding is limited on what information students find most relatable about scientists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different types of information about scientists impact student relatability.
• To determine if personal or humanizing details enhance student connection to scientists.

Main Methods:

• Biology students were exposed to scientists with no personal info (Control), pictures only (Visual), or pictures and humanizing details (Humanizing).
• Student responses on relating to scientists were qualitatively coded.
• Relatability was assessed based on professional research interests and personal information.

Main Results:

• Students related to scientists' research interests and personal information (life experiences, hobbies, demographics).
• The Humanizing treatment group was twice as likely to relate to scientists compared to the Control group.
• Personal, humanizing information led to a greater variety of ways students related to scientists.

Conclusions:

• Presenting scientists with humanizing details significantly increases student relatability.
• Curriculum developers should intentionally include personal aspects of scientists' lives.
• This approach can foster greater student connection and potential self-identification with science careers.