Research shows that girls are more likely to enter a field when they can identify a role model in that field (Betz 1994; Lent, Brown, and Hackett 1994). But the authors found that little is known about what it really takes to be a science role model to middle school girls. They knew what they would perceive to be a good science role model, but were also very aware of the fact that middle school girls may find different qualities important in selecting a role model. So, they turned to the experts—eighth-grade girls. Ultimately, the characteristics of science models arose from giving the girls a voice.
Details
Type Journal ArticlePub Date 12/1/2008Stock # ss08_032_04_40Volume 032Issue 04