August 13, 2012
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmSparks to Science, Math and Tech Careers Differ among Sexes
Tinkering and reading found to spark men's interest in STEM, whereas education and outdoors influence women
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Scientific American collaborated with Adam Maltese, a science education researcher at Indiana University, on a study aimed at better understanding the experiences of science, math and engineering students and professionals. Based on data from a randomized sample of universities and online volunteers who completed a survey, men and women who pursue STEM degrees tend to become interested in science in elementary school. When asked which people and experiences helped to spark their interest, women were more likely than men to select a teacher, a class at school, solving math problems and spending time outdoors, whereas men were more influenced by tinkering, building and reading. As men and women enter college, passion for the field far outweighs all other influences as the main reason for their persistence.
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