Ethnic Identity as a Quantitative Measurement in Computer Science Education

Abstract

Increasing the participation of underrepresented students in computing requires increasing the inclusion of computing as part of their identity. Research suggests that ethnic identity, including the presence of role models of the same ethnicity, directly influences the self-efficacy of minorities in career choices and development. If properly measured, then identity can be used to assess the impact of many of the current and forthcoming national K-12 efforts to increase diversity in CS. The Computer Science Attitude and Identity Survey (CSAIS) was developed to measure five constructs that influence undergraduate students of color in computer science: confidence, interest, gender, professional, and identity. The tool extends from the Engineering Students’ Attitudes toward CS Survey (designed for first-year CS majors and non-majors) and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), a psychology-based survey for measuring ethnic identity according to the following factors: ethnic identity search and affirmation, commitment, and sense of belonging. Validation results indicated that the identity construct is a valid and reliable measure of ethnic identity in relation to CS. This work is now focused on data collection for various efforts targeting underrepresented students nationwide.