Article
Take a Chance on STEM: Risk-Taking Buffers Negative Effects of Stereotype Threat
The Journal of Experimental Education
(2022)
Abstract
The present research examined how risk-taking protects against consequences of negative gender stereotypes among women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In Study 1, undergraduate women and men in STEM (N = 1013) took an online survey assessing risk-taking, academic outcomes, and vulnerability to stereotype threat. Risk-taking predicted positive academic outcomes, regardless of gender. However, a significant interaction between gender and risk-taking emerged, indicating women with higher risk-taking reported lower vulnerability to stereotype threat. In Study 2, undergraduate women in STEM (N = 140) participated in an experiment designed to elicit stereotype threat through the framing of a test (math performance versus problem solving skills) while cardiovascular reactivity was assessed. Hierarchical regression revealed women higher in risk-taking experiencing stereotype threat exhibited adaptive cardiovascular reactivity, accounting for improved math performance. Findings suggest risk-taking may buffer consequences of gender stereotypes. Interventions may bolster risk-taking among women in STEM to improve academic performance and retention.
Keywords
- Risk-taking,
- stereotype threat,
- women in STEM,
- challenge and threat,
- individual differences
Disciplines
Publication Date
2022
DOI
10.1080/00220973.2020.1848766
Citation Information
Zachary W. Petzel and Bettina Casad. "Take a Chance on STEM: Risk-Taking Buffers Negative Effects of Stereotype Threat" The Journal of Experimental Education Vol. 90 Iss. 3 (2022) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bettina-casad/37/