The gender gap in science attitudes,parental and peer influences: Changes between 1987-88 and 1997-98

This study examines whether differences in attitudes towards science between males and females (aged 11-14 years) in the United Kingdom have changed over a 10-year period. The study replicated in 1997-98 a questionnaire survey first conducted in 1987-88, drawing samples from the same schools used in the initial research. Data from the two surveys were compared. Both surveys found that females, in comparison to males, liked science at school less, reported that they performed worse in science, participated in fewer extracurricular scientific activities, and had more negative attitudes to science in general. There was a significant main effect for year of survey upon liking of science at school, and performance in science at school, with a marked decline in both over the period. However, there was no significant change in attitudes to science in general. There were no significant interaction effects between gender and survey year, suggesting no changes in gender differentials across the 10-year period. There were, however, changes over time in the factors predicting liking of and attitudes towards science. Mothers' perceived support for science is particularly important in predicting attitudes and involvement of children. In 1997-98, mothers were perceived to be significantly more supportive of science.