Can levels of science identity and exposure be inferred in peoples' drawings of scientists?
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
The presence of stereotypes within the discipline of science is known to impact engagement in, and satisfaction with, working within science. One way science stereotypes are assessed is through the Draw-A-Scientist-Test (DAST), in which people are asked to draw what they imagine a scientist looks like. Findings from research using the DAST show that most people draw a Caucasian male with scientific equipment such as test tubes, solutions in glass, equipment or rockets. Studies have previously suspected that the development of a scientific identity may help reduce stereotype expression; however, research is needed to understand how scientific identity and exposure to science influences stereotype expression in the DAST. Therefore, the present study examines whether the degree of scientific identity and/or exposure to science is related to the number of stereotypes expressed in the DAST. A sample of participants aged 17+ from Australia and Singapore (N = 353, Mage = 24) completed a two-part questionnaire, which included measures of science identity, engagement in science, and the DAST. Data collection is currently underway. It is anticipated that, beyond identifying the most common stereotypes present in DAST drawings, the findings will demonstrate a negative correlation between scientific identity/exposure and DAST stereotype expression. Study findings have implications for considering how to reduce the impact of science stereotypes to make the involvement in science professions more inclusive.
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OCURA 2023: Online Conference for Undergraduate Research in Australasia
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1
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Online
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Online Conference for Undergraduate Research in Australasia
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Online
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