Exploring the state of science stereotypes: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the Draw‐A‐Scientist Checklist

Abstract

AbstractThis systematic review and meta‐analysis examined recent articles that have used the 1995 Draw‐A‐Scientist Checklist (DAST‐C). This study was focused on the current state of students' stereotypes of scientists and the appropriateness of the DAST‐C as a tool to assess these perceptions. Articles included in the review were published between 2003 and 2018, resulting in n = 30 studies. Mean results across studies are presented to describe current stereotypes of scientists, and the current format of the DAST‐C is evaluated. Findings suggest that students' perceptions of scientists have largely remained consistent across time: scientists are still perceived as Caucasian, middle‐aged or elderly males who wear lab coats and work indoors. However, while the DAST‐C is a generally appropriate measure to assess students' perceptions of scientists, recommended revisions to the DAST‐C could assist in capturing more modern scientist stereotypes and culturally bound perceptions of scientists.