What affect does female participation in the Training Future Scientist (TFS) program based on Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and Maslow's Hierarchies of Needs have on achievement levels in science and their attitude toward science and interest in science-based careers? The theoretical framework for this study was developed through a…

Purpose is an important aspect of character development and thriving in adolescence; yet, there is little research explaining how it develops or how contexts such as school can support its development. In this study, 1,304 eighth graders completed a survey that measured purpose as the integration of 2 dimensions-- beyond-the-self life goal…

This dissertation investigated if the implementation of six different female-oriented teaching strategies had an effect on the attitude of middle school female science students. Female-oriented teaching strategies included single-sex groupings, student-teacher interactions, introduction of female role models, guided-inquiry teaching pedagogy,…

Gender-matched role models are often proposed as a mechanism to increase identification with science among girls, with the ultimate aim of broadening participation in science. While there is a great deal of evidence suggesting that role models can be effective, there is mixed support in the literature for the importance of gender matching. We used…

In an investigation of why Black youth in the greater Little Rock area appear to have low self-concepts, l97 Black adults were interviewed. Interviewees included professionals and nonprofessionals and the employed and unemployed. The average age was 33. Approximately 60 percent agreed that the majority of Black youth have a poor self-concept.…

Twenty-nine fourth grade girls were read stories with women either in traditional roles or nontraditional roles. Girls who heard nontraditional stories rated traditionally male jobs and characteristics as appropriate for females more than girls who heard traditional stories. Results are discussed in terms of sexual bias and girls' aspirations.…

Two studies on sex-role stereotyping in preschool children examined teacher and pupil attitudes. A survey of 30 pre-kindergarten teachers' beliefs and practices revealed teacher encouragement of expected traits. A study of 25 four-year-olds focused on self-image, presence of sex-stereotyped beliefs, and whether the teacher could effect changes.…

The content and process of incidental learning of sex role related characteristics through play behavior was explored in a study of more than 6000 toys sold by Sears, Roebuck & Company between 1900 and 1970, as represented in their mail order catalogs. Sixty percent of all toys were sex typed by Sears. The nature of the play behavior…

A study explored the influence of experiential adventure activities on nine girls with emotional and behavioral disorders at a residential wilderness camp. New members found the activities exciting, but did not relate them to treatment. Established members began to see connections to treatment issues. Advanced members understood the relevance of…

A study was conducted to examine the relationship between life-style, personality, role concept, and the influence of significant others in married women pursuing traditional, neotraditional, and nontraditional life-styles. Traditional women are defined as those who left paid employment after marriage or the birth of their first child;…