Factors that influence the career aspirations of mathematically precocious females

Abstract

The career aspirations and the factors influencing career decisions were investigated for a group of extremely precocious females to determine why some enter math/science careers and others do not. Using the multiple-case study approach, 15 mathematically precocious females' career paths were characterized. These females had scored before age 13 at least 700 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematics (SAT-M) (frequency top 1 in 60,000). Questionnaires completed at age 13, in 8th grade, and after high school graduation were used; in-depth telephone interviews at 19 to 21 years provided further data. Extremely mathematically precocious females have focused career goals by age 18; two-thirds had entered math/science fields by age 19-21. These math talented females viewed their career choice as a reflection of interests which stemmed form early family influences and educational opportunities. (Author) ********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Factors that influence the career aspirations of mathematically precocious females Dr. Janey L. Montgomery, Ph. D. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Marshalltown Regional Center 317 Columbus Drive Marshalltown, Iowa U.S.A. Phone: 515 752 4583 FAX: 319 273 6457 The research reported in this paper was conducted as a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Dr. Camilla P. Benbow, Ph.D Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, May, 1990 A paper presented at the 2nd Asian Conference on Giftedness Growing up Gifted and Talented July 24-27, 1992 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Taipei, Taiwan R.O.0 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction duality Points of view or opinions slated in this docu. matt do not necessarily represent official OERI positron or policy 2 BEST COPY AVAILABLE MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Janey L. Montgomery TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF MATHEMATICALLY PRECOCIOUS FEMALES DR. JANEY L. MONTGOMERY* University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa, U.S.A DR. CAMILLA P. BENBOW Iowa State University Ames, Iowa U.S.A. Several personal, family and educational factors were found to influence the career aspirations of mathematically precocious females. Using a multiple-case study approach 15 mathematically precocious females' career paths were characterized. These females scored before age 13 at least 700 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematics (SAT-M). The estimated frequency is top 1 in t 60,000. Questionnaires completed at age 13, in 8th grade, and after high school graduation were used; in-depth interviews provided further data in 1989. All females were identified through the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) at Johns Hopkins University. This session will focus on the career aspirations of highly talented females in mathematics. Their career aspirations, educational choices and lifestyle expectations will be shared, as well as personal, family, and educational factors that shaped their career decisions. Perceptions from individual case studies will be shared on a variety of topics, including influence of international experiences on career decisions. Collectively, these young women reinforce an encouraging portrait of success for the future. They are creating challenges for themselves and constructing a life where their potential in mathematics can be realized.