ERIC Number: EJ1028869
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Jan
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-6803
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Just Like All the Other Humans? Analyzing Images of Scientists in Children's Trade Books
Rawson, Casey H.; McCool, Megan Astolfi
School Science and Mathematics, v114 n1 p10-18 Jan 2014
Despite the efforts of researchers and national science organizations to recruit more women and minorities into the science and engineering workforce, these fields are still largely dominated by White males. Research suggests that children's mental prototypes of the scientist include a variety of negative and stereotypical features that may contribute to decisions not to pursue a career in science among underrepresented groups. This study examines 1,656 images of scientists in children's nonfiction trade books, which are often used in classrooms and are many children's first introduction to science, to determine the extent to which these depictions perpetuate the stereotypical standard image of the scientist. Results indicate that while many elements of the stereotypical scientist image are not prevalent in these titles, gender and race are causes for concern.
Descriptors: Books, Content Analysis, Scientists, Nonfiction, Science Education, Social Bias, Stereotypes, Career Choice, Minority Group Children, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Influences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A