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Abstract

An examination of the distribution of women who earn doctorates in mathematics and science presents a picture of uneven advancement. Women are clustered in the life sciences with far fewer majoring in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer sciences.

Recent studies attempting to identify factors that influence a woman's choice of career in the mathematical fields have focused on either women who have completed doctorates or formal training in their chosen fields or women presently in graduate programs in mathematics. This study focuses on math majors still in college, specifically 16 females at a highly selective liberal arts women's college, and factors that influenced their choice of this major and future career plans. A qualitative research methodology was employed using questionnaires, interviews with the students and the mathematics faculty, participant observation in mathematics classrooms, and document reviews of college and departmental publications.

Findings revealed that positive school experiences and certain shared personality characteristics were integral in students' decisions to continue the study of mathematics in college.

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The Development of Math Talent: Influences on Students at a Women's College

Abstract

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