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Born to Code: Does the Portrayal of Computer Scientists as Geniuses Undermine Adolescent Youths’ Motivational Beliefs?

Education

Born to Code: Does the Portrayal of Computer Scientists as Geniuses Undermine Adolescent Youths’ Motivational Beliefs?

C. R. Starr

This research by Christine R. Starr investigates how the portrayal of computer scientists as geniuses can impact high school students' motivation in pSTEM fields. The findings reveal that this stereotype may devalue pSTEM for students, particularly affecting girls and underrepresented groups. Dive into the results to understand the implications of this stereotype!

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study experimentally examined how portraying computer scientists as geniuses affects high school students' motivation in pSTEM (physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Prior research showed a negative correlation between the genius stereotype and pSTEM motivation. This experiment used situated expectancy-value theory to test if media invoking this stereotype impacts students' expectancy and value beliefs about pSTEM. Results showed that students exposed to the genius stereotype experienced a significant decline in pSTEM value beliefs, but not expectancy beliefs. This suggests that the genius stereotype may devalue pSTEM, potentially impacting girls and underrepresented groups more strongly.
Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Published On
Aug 13, 2021
Authors
Christine R. Starr
Tags
computer scientists
genius stereotype
pSTEM motivation
expectancy-value theory
gender differences
high school students
underrepresented groups

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