NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ790879
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-May
Pages: 20
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
EISSN: N/A
Some Methodological Issues with "Draw a Scientist Tests" among Young Children
Losh, Susan C.; Wilke, Ryan; Pop, Margareta
International Journal of Science Education, v30 n6 p773-792 May 2008
Children's stereotypes about scientists have been postulated to affect student science identity and interest in science. Findings from prior studies using "Draw a Scientist Test" methods suggest that students see scientists as largely white, often unattractive, men; one consequence may be that girls and minority students feel a science career is "not like me". However, a major shortcoming in prior research is that scholars have asked children to draw only scientists, thus making interpretations of earlier research findings ambiguous. We added other professionals to compare how 616 drawings of teachers, scientists, and veterinarians by 206 elementary school children varied by student gender, ethnicity, and grade. Students made clear distinctions: drawing teachers as most attractive and largely female, and scientists as most often male and least attractive. Aspects of the drawings suggest that scientists do have an "image problem" among children. However, large sex differences in the drawings and often-unrecognizable gender figures in boys' pictures lead us to question use of the "Draw a Scientist Test" as a projective test among young children. (Contains 4 tables, 4 figures and 6 notes.)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 1; Grade 3; Grade 5
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A