This study addresses why women are underrepresented in Computer Science (CS). Data from 1319 American first-year college students (872 female and 447 male) indicate that gender differences in computer self-efficacy, stereotypes, interests, values, interpersonal orientation, and personality exist. If students had had a positive experience in their…

In response to recent data from the Department of Education indicating that the number of women earning computer science undergraduate degrees has declined sharply in recent years, a study was conducted to determine gender bias in introductory computer classes. Questionnaires were distributed to students in two classes at Rutgers University and…

Designed to assist educators in improving computer learning opportunities for students, this packet of materials presents practical strategies that address 12 barriers to equitable instruction: (1) lack of encouragement for females and minority students to use computers; (2) potential value of computer learning more apparent to males than females;…

National normative data on characteristics of students entering college as first-time, full-time freshmen are presented, based on the results of the fall 1984 Cooperative Research Program survey. The data are weighted to represent the population of freshmen. Extensive statistical data are reported separately for women and men, and for 37…