Gender in Computer Science

SIGCSE SIGSCE is the Special Interest Group in Computer Science Education I’ve just returned from the annual conference A common theme, this year and every year, is attracting women to computer science--and keeping them Many of these same comments apply to other minorities I am very interested in this problem

What I can do Not much :( Most losses occur during the second year I can give you: –some facts and figures –some research results –some opinions

Figures Enrollment in computer science programs reached a peak in 1986, then declined until 1996 –There has been an upward trend from 1996 to 2000 –We don’t have figures past 2000 In 1986, female enrollment reached a peak of 40% During the period 1986 to 1996: –Men majoring in computer science dropped by 33% –Women majoring in computer science dropped by 55% –Other minorities also dropped by larger amounts than white males Why?

Myths Both men and women incorrectly believe that men in CS have higher GPAs than women –Fact: There is no difference in GPAs –Fact: In my MCIT program, there is no gender difference in GREs of admitted students Women who succeed in CS are often viewed as “exceptional” –Fact: Women and men are equally capable Both groups do equally well on assignments Both groups do equally well on examinations –Fact: Women do not have to be “better than men” to succeed

Myths II Myth: Some people just have a “computer gene” –Fact: From a biological standpoint, it’s obvious that there is no such thing –Fact: As with anything, there are individual differences in ability It is commonly believed (among teachers) that anyone can be taught to program –Fact: If you work hard, you will succeed No one is born with these skills –Fact: Many computer “hotshots” aren’t really very good –My belief: There is a positive feedback loop between enjoying an activity and being good at it

Myths III Computer programming is for “loners” and is basically an antisocial (or at least nonsocial) activity –Fact: Prospective employers shun loners and look for people who work well with others –Fact: Large programs are group efforts –Fact: Most programming methodologies are about how to best organize the programming team –Fact: In an educational setting, we typically insist on individual effort, mostly in an attempt to grade fairly-- but this does not reflect “real world” practice

Stereotypes Stereotype: Computer science majors are intelligent but lack interpersonal skills –Fact: Like all stereotypes, there are individuals who fit the stereotype--but most do not Stereotype: Successful computer science majors “don’t have a life” but spend all their time at the computer –Fact: Almost all computer scientists do have a life –Fact: However, CS majors do spend significantly more time on schoolwork than non-CS majors –In my personal experience: Obsessive programmers are less likely to succeed

Gender NON-differences Research results show no significant differences between men and women in: –College GPA –ACT math, science, and composite scores –Interest in majoring in CS –Belief that CS is a worthwhile major –Number of hours per week spent on schoolwork But: CS majors spend more time than non-majors –Age of first computer use –Knowledge of what CS is all about

More gender NON-differences Estimate of how many hours computer scientists work –But: Differences in estimated compensation –Fact: Women are, on average, not as well paid as men –Fact: The difference is much less in the computer field Importance placed on having a family Belief that family life and career would be compatible for women Stress level Support and encouragement from others Self esteem

Real gender differences Research results show these statistically significant differences –Men have higher educational aspirations –Men value extrinsic rewards (e.g. money) more –Men are higher in aggressiveness and dominance But: No difference in kindness or nurturing –Biggest difference: Men are more confident of their own ability

Confidence Confidence in ability to write a computer program: –Students with high math ACT scores Male CS majors: 63% Male non-CS majors: 60% Female CS majors: 48% Female non-CS majors: 44% –Students with low math ACT scores Male CS majors: 53% Male non-CS majors: 49% Female CS majors: 37% Female non-CS majors: 34% Especially interesting: High-scoring female CS students vs. low-scoring male non-CS students

Why women drop out According to one study, females suffer a loss of interest in the field, preceded by a loss of self- confidence Probable causes of loss of confidence: –Inaccurate belief that women have lower ability –Lack of awareness of excellent income opportunities –Conflict between a woman’s view of herself and (inaccurate) stereotype of “computer nerds” –“Stereotype threat”: Fear of confirming the stereotype –Less playful and relaxed attitude toward computers

Factors undermining self confidence (Note: These are opinions, not research results) Computer science is hard--everyone has difficulty Men are less willing than women to admit to having difficulties, hence often appear more capable than they really are The field is wide as well as deep: “You’re a computer science major and you don’t know that?” In programming, virtually all your mistakes are stupid ones--everyone’s mistakes are stupid ones-- and it’s easy to mistake this for a personal failing

Interesting tidbits Percentage of women earning a bachelor’s degree is significantly lower if the CS department is in the College of Engineering rather than in the College of Arts and Sciences Under-representation of women in CS appears to be a cultural problem –Not true in historically black colleges and universities –Not true in Greece, Turkey, France, Italy In one study, 30% of self-rated “code warriors” failed an assignment, compared to 15% of “code-a-phobes”

Conclusions These studies suggest that women lose interest in computer science because of: –The mis-perception that they are not as capable as other (especially male) students –The (accurate) perception that they do not conform to the (mostly inaccurate) stereotype of computer “nerds” The foregoing is presented in the hope that having some actual information on gender differences will help some of you in your college careers

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