Science Identity Research Articles

Intersecting Identities: A Look at How Ethnic Identity Interacts With Science Identity in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Students.

Understanding the experiences of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) students in science courses can help us foster inclusivity and belonging for these often excluded and unacknowledged students. Using social influence theory as a framework, we investigated the intersection between ethnic-racial identity and science identity in NHPI students to better understand their experiences in undergraduate Biology courses. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data and used concurrent triangulation design in our mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data include measures of student pre- and post-course science identity, self-efficacy, alignment with science values, sense of belonging, environmental concern, strength of ethnic-racial identity, and the interaction between ethnic-racial and science identity. We measured environmental concern because NHPI cultures often have strong connections with the environment that may overlap well with environmental science values. Qualitative data included short responses to survey questions that asked students to describe the interaction between their science identity and their ethnicity. We found that NHPI and non-NHPI students do not significantly differ in any construct we measured, nor do they experience different gains across a semester when comparing pre- and post-scores. We also found that NHPI students' feelings concerning the intersection of their ethnic and science identities are varied and complex, with some students expressing feelings of conflict and many others expressing a strengthening relationship between those identities. We discuss implications for instructors and encourage them to acknowledge the community culture of wealth NHPI students bring to the classroom because of their ethnic-racial identities.

Gendered Performance Gaps in an Upper-Division Biology Course: Academic, Demographic, Environmental, and Affective Factors.

Despite the existent gender parity in undergraduate biology degree attainment, gendered differences in outcomes are prevalent in introductory biology courses. Less is known about whether these disparities persist at the upper-division level, after most attrition is assumed to have occurred. Here, we report the consistent presence of gender equity gaps across 35 offerings (10 years) ofalarge-enrollment upper-division biology course at a research-intensive public university.Multilevel modeling showed that women's grades were lower than men's, regardless of prior GPA. These gender gaps were present even when controlling for students' race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, first-generation college-going status, international status, and transfer status. Class size, gender representation in the classroom, and instructor gender did not significantly relate to course grades. Student questionnaires in a subset of offerings indicated gendered differences in course anxiety, science identity, and science self-efficacy, which correlated with grade outcomes. These results suggest that women experience differential outcomes in upper-division biology, which may negatively influence their persistence in STEM fields postgraduation. Our findings suggest that gender disparities are a systemic problem throughout the undergraduate biology degree and underscore the need for further examination and transformation of upper-division courses to support all students, even at late stages of their degrees.

Relevance of Science, Conceptualization of Scientists, and Contextualized "Failure" as Mediators in the Development of Student Science Identity.

The Research Experiences in Marine Science (REMS) Program is a Hawai'i place-based CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) for late high school and early undergraduate students wherein students conduct independent research that draws upon the history, culture, and ecosystem of their local communities. In addition to providing meaningful access to marine science education and training, REMS addresses a fear of failure expressed by students who view their culture and personal identity as incompatible with undergraduate science pathways. Data about student attitudes toward and conceptualizations of science and scientists were collected through pre- and postprogram open-ended survey items, Draw-a-Scientist Tests, and postprogram interviews. Results suggest the combination of place-based elements and an authentic research experience shifted students' conceptualization of scientists to a "humanized" construct. The emergence of this theme coincided with students recognizing themselves as scientists, gaining confidence in content understanding and research skills, increasing interest in science as a career pathway, and recognizing how science affects their communities. This study demonstrates how a CURE that emphasizes the cultural relevance of science, an inclusive conceptualization of a "scientist", and contextualized role of "failure" in science, may contribute to historically marginalized students recognizing themselves as scientists and ultimately persisting in science careers.

Mentor Science Identities and their Influence on Student Relationships with Science: A Qualitative Exploration of the iBEARS Program\r

Mentor Science Identities and their Influence on Student Relationships with Science: A Qualitative Exploration of the iBEARS Program\r

Science Identity of Turkish Students: Adaptation of the Science Identity Questionnaire and Analysis in Terms of Demographic Variables

ABSTRACT Background Science identity has an important place in revealing the effects of learning experiences. Furthermore, science identity can help to understand future career intentions related to science; therefore, it needs to be understood and assessed. Purpose The aim of this study was to adapt the Student Science Identity Questionnaire into Turkish and examine its validity and reliability. Sample In the study, data were collected from 755 high school students in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. Design and Methods In the first part of the study, a scale adaptation was performed. In the second part, differences between groups were analyzed using parametric tests. Results Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure of the instrument consisting of 24 items and four factors and showed that the model had excellent fit values. Cronbach’s alpha values of the factors that make up the instrument were between .83 and .90, composite reliability values ranged between .92 and .93, factor loads and average variance extracted values were found to be above .50. In addition, the square root of the average variance extracted values and the correlation values between the factors were examined and the validity of the measurement model was ensured. Conclusion The findings show that the Student Science Identity Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument in the Turkish sample. In addition, students’ science identity varies according to gender and socioeconomic status.

Engaging students in a genetics course-based undergraduate research experience utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans in hybrid learning to explore human disease gene variants.

Genetic analysis in model systems using bioinformatic approaches provides a rich context for a concrete and conceptual understanding of gene structure and function. With the intent to engage students in research and explore disease biology utilizing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model, we developed a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in a hybrid (online/in-person) learning environment-the gene-editing and evolutionary nematode exploration CURE (GENE-CURE). Using a combination of bioinformatic and molecular genetic tools, students performed structure-function analysis of disease-associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in human orthologs. With the aid of a series of workshop-style research sessions, students worked in teams of two to six members to identify a conserved VUS locus across species and design and test a polymerase chain reaction-based assay for targeted editing of a gene in the nematode and downstream genotyping. Research session discussions, responsible conduct of research training, electronic laboratory notebook, project reports, quizzes, and group poster presentations at a research symposium were assessed for mastery of learning objectives and research progress. Self-reflections were collected from students to assess engagement, science identity, and science efficacy. Qualitative analysis of these reflections indicated several gains suggesting that all students found many aspects of the GENE-CURE rewarding (learning process of research, self-confidence in research and science identity, and personal interest) and challenging (iterative research and failure, time management, COVID-19 pandemic, and life issues).

What Predicts Undergraduate Students' Decision to Pursue a Career in Biomedical/Behavioral Research within an Upper-Division Research Training Program? A Study of Trainees' Science Identity and Educational Outcomes.

This study examined how science identity and positive educational outcomes relate to student trainees' decision to pursue a research career in health-related sciences, within the context of a two-year research training program that prepares diverse undergraduate students for a research career. In analyses using the evaluation data, science identity and one of the positive educational outcomes significantly predicted trainees' decision to pursue a research career in biomedical and behavioral sciences. In general, students with stronger science identity and interest in pursuing research in academia exhibited a firmer decision to pursue a research career in sciences. In a separate analysis that examined the associations between the trainees' decision to pursue a health-related research career and their underrepresented minority identities, gender, and disciplinary track, results revealed that: (1) the interaction between trainees' disciplinary track (i.e., biomedical vs. behavioral sciences) and their total number of underrepresented minority status was associated with their decision to pursue a research career, but (2) the gender x disciplinary track interaction was not. Emphasizing the need for supporting diverse undergraduate trainees to solidify their science identity and prepare them for a research career in academia, we discuss implications of our findings for research training programs with similar aims.

Student Identity and Guided Inquiry Learning in Junior High School Students: A Correlation Analysis

This study depends on why it's important for an examination of students' scientific identities to demonstrate that a student is scientifically capable of identifying and resolving issues in the form of natural occurrences. The purpose of this research is to determine the rise in scientific identity utilizing the guided inquiry learning model, as well as the closeness of the variable link between scientific identity and the guided inquiry learning model. This study employed a one-group pre-test and post-test design with a quantitative approach and a population or sample through purposive sampling with a sample size of 60 students. This study was conducted Turi Lamongan State Junior High School. A scientific identity questionnaire exam and a cognitive ability test were used to collect data for this investigation. In this study, N-gain was used to see a rise in the science identity questionnaire and cognitive ability tests, followed by a correlation test to establish the degree of closeness between science identity and the guided inquiry learning model. This study's findings are as follows: 1) improving scientific identity through guided inquiry learning 2) Scientific identity and the guided inquiry learning methodology are linked.

Understanding Science Identity Development Among College Students

Understanding Science Identity Development Among College Students

An online research immersion program to increase introductory science student confidence and science identity.

The number of undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds enrolled in science and technology-related courses has increased over the past 20 years, but these students' persistence in STEM majors until graduation still lags behind the overall college population. Interventions like exposure to independent research, instruction using active learning, and connection within a scientific community have been shown to increase persistence and the development of science identity, especially for underrepresented minority students (URM), students with high financial need, and first-generation college students. However, exposure to research for introductory students can be expensive or challenging for an institution to provide and for some students to access. We designed Wintersession Research Week as a remotely taught, collaborative introduction to independent research for beginning undergraduate students, prioritizing those traditionally underrepresented in STEM (low income, first generation, and URM students). Because this program utilized graduate students as research mentors, we also provided training and mentoring to develop the next generation of science faculty. We found that the program helped undergraduate student participants to develop a scientific identity and increase confidence in their skills, and that graduate students found the experience valuable for their future teaching. We believe that elements of this program are adaptable to both virtual and in-person settings as an introduction to research, mentorship, and teaching for students and mentors.

Finnish parents’ science capital and its association with sociodemographic issues

ABSTRACT Science capital consists of science-related cultural and social capital and science-related behaviours and practices. This study aims to clarify the core dimensions of science capital among Finnish parents through consideration of how parents’ educational degree, profession, age and residential area are associated with their science capital. To test this, a survey was conducted with a sample of 740 parents in Finland aged 26 to 69 years. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the science capital dimensions and confirmatory factor analysis supported the final seven-factor model. Differences in parents’ responses, including by sociodemographic background, were measured using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The core dimension of cultural capital focuses on the valuing of science in society. Behaviour and practices consist of everyday and informal learning in community spaces, and social capital is strongly linked to future affinity and science identity. Parents’ residential areas and educational degrees seem to have the largest effects on different dimensions. However, a parent’s level of education, profession or residential area do not seem to affect their engagement in everyday science activities with their children. These results provide support to discuss inequalities among families, and ways to increase family science capital.

From science motivation to science identity: The mediating effect of science achievement according to gender

Science motivation and identity have been considered important in science education research literature. The role of science achievement between the motivation and identity has rarely been contemplated. Gender issues in science motivation, identity, and achievement have also been considered crucial. Although most studies hypothesized science identity would be a cause of motivation, there seems very few research that quantitatively examined their longitudinal relationship. Data from 186 students in a coeducational general high school in Seoul, Republic of Korea, was collected. Auto-regressive cross-lagged models were fitted without and with science achievement as a mediator. As results, it was shown that science motivation causes identity not the opposite. With science achievement, science motivation showed direct and indirect effects on science identity. By multiple-group analysis, it was shown that male students formulate their science identity indirectly from science motivation through the mediation of science achievement, and female students directly from science motivation.

Asset-based Approaches to Multilingual Students’ Computer Science Identity Development

While computer science identity development has been examined in several studies, there is much to learn about the development of multilingual students’ computer science (CS) identities. To develop strong CS identities, multilingual students must engage in culturally and linguistically sustaining curriculum, pedagogy, and interaction that draws from their rich and varied resources. This theoretical paper is grounded in a justice-centered, asset-based framework that views the traditions and practices in students’ cultures and communities as strong contributors to knowledge construction in STEM. We draw on multiple studies exploring multilingual student CS identity development to better understand how their personal, familial, community-based, and intersectional experiences can be leveraged to promote equitable CS participation. Based on a synthesis of these studies, we find that educators should engage in the following practices: 1) leveraging multilingual students’ multiple meaning-making resources, 2) connecting classroom learning to informal learning spaces, 3) providing broader contexts for disciplinary practices, 4) offering multiple opportunities for self-expression, and 5) drawing on multilingual students’ strong intersectional identities. Through these practices, we discuss how researchers, practitioners, and policymakers can strengthen multilingual students’ disciplinary identification and overall persistence in CS.

Exploring the role of high school engineering courses in promoting science attitudes for students with learning disabilities

AbstractDemand for engineering‐interested and proficient high school graduates continues to grow across the nation. However, there remains a severe gap in college participation and employment in engineering fields for students with learning disabilities (SWLDs). One potential way to encourage SWLDs to consider engineering as a profession and promote the development of key science attitudes may be through engineering and technology career and technical education (E‐CTE) coursework. In this study, we address the following research questions: Do SWLDs take E‐CTE courses in the early years of high school at different rates compared to students without learning disabilities? What is the relationship between early E‐CTE coursetaking and science attitudes (self‐efficacy, utility, identity), and does this differ for students with and without learning disabilities? How do specific engineering career expectations change with respect to enrollment in early E‐CTE coursework, and do these differ for students with and without learning disabilities? We utilize the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS) to respond to the research questions through moderation models and a student fixed effects methodology. Ultimately, we found no evidence of SWLD underrepresentation in E‐CTE in high school. However, SWLDs were expected to benefit more than the general population from E‐CTE participation with respect to higher levels of science self‐efficacy and science identity. Implications from these findings include how to encourage persistence along the engineering pathway, the growth of career pathway policies at the state level, and how to incorporate E‐CTE practices in academic courses.

Who Is Doing Science? Using Science Texts to Open Spaces that Expand the Voices and Perspectives in Elementary Classrooms

AbstractScience texts tend to privilege the voices, perspectives, and practices of White males (e.g., Ford, 2006), reinforcing widely‐held perceptions of scientists as White men. This narrow portrayal of who “does science” discourages BIPOC or female students from building a science identity (Archer et al., 2015), with many such students also viewing science as difficult or undesirable (Brickhouse et al., 2000). We argue that intentional positioning of science text written by or about BIPOC or female figures in science and literacy instruction not only helps all students develop science and literacy skills and knowledge, but leads to more expansive views of who “does science” and fosters students’ science identities. Our purpose in this article is to help teachers identify and incorporate expansive informational texts and position these texts within sound science and literacy instruction. We draw from the Next Generation Science Standards to describe ways to develop students’ science identities and then provide teachers guidance for selecting and intentionally positioning expansive science texts in their instruction, with examples of text sets that teachers can use in their classrooms.

Introducing high school biology students to biochemistry with a short, content-oriented module.

Many STEM disciplines are underrepresented to High School students. This is problematic as many students' decisions for college are shaped by their experiences and achievements in high school. Short content-oriented modules have been shown to encourage science identity and otherwise benefit the students' learning. Following the ASBMB's outreach protocol, we developed a short content-oriented module aimed at a high school biology classroom. Students interacted with 3D models of DNA and transcription factors while exploring structure-function relationships and introductory biochemistry topics. The high school teacher was impressed with the students' response to the module, specifically the ease with which students learned, their enthusiasm, and their recall of the experience. We provide all materials necessary to use this module, including student worksheet and printable model coordinates. We encourage both high school instructors and professional biochemists to consider similar module using physical models.

Scientific representation and science identity: the case of chemistry

I put forward an inferentialist account of Lewis structures (LSs). In this view, the role of LSs is not to realistically depict molecules, but instead to allow surrogate reasoning and inference in chemistry. I also show that the usage of LSs is a central part of a person’s identity as a chemist, as it is defined within educational identity theory. Taking these conclusions together, I argue that the inferentialist approach to LSs and chemistry identity theory can be studied in parallel, as two complementary sides of the same research programme.

Diversity of undergraduates in STEM courses: individual and demographic differences in changes in self-efficacy, epistemic beliefs, and intrapersonal attribute profiles

ABSTRACT Across undergraduate STEM learning contexts in several countries, students’ intrapersonal attributes of epistemic beliefs, self-efficacy beliefs, intrinsic motivation, and sense of identity have been found to influence learning and to change in response to educational practices. However, research can mask individual and demographic differences in student's attributes that may moderate or mediate the relationship between educational practices and learning outcomes. We employed variable-centered and person-centered methods to examine individual and demographic differences in changes in students’ intrapersonal attributes and patterns of interrelationship among attributes with a study sample of students (N = 4,500) in 14 STEM undergraduate courses (8 biology, 4 chemistry, and 2 statistics) at three research universities in the United States. Variable-centered analyses revealed overall increases in students’ science self-efficacy beliefs and epistemic beliefs even though these outcomes were not intentionally targeted as learning objectives. However, person-centered analyses indicated that not all students experienced these gains. For example, self-identified Asian/Pacific Islander and Black students were more likely to be members of groups demonstrating a decrease in science self-efficacy, whereas Asian/Pacific Islander students and men were less likely to be members of the subgroup with consistently evaluativist epistemic beliefs and higher GPAs. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified five distinct student profiles that reflected different patterns of interrelationship of epistemic beliefs, science and writing self-efficacy beliefs, and science identity. We discuss the implications of these findings for educational practices, particularly with regard to intentionally fostering diverse students’ self-efficacy, sense of identity, and adaptive epistemic beliefs.

The identity of information science

PurposeThis paper offers a definition of the core of information science, which encompasses most research in the field. The definition provides a unique identity for information science and positions it in the disciplinary universe.Design/methodology/approachAfter motivating the objective, a definition of the core and an explanation of its key aspects are provided. The definition is related to other definitions of information science before controversial discourse aspects are briefly addressed: discipline vs. field, science vs. humanities, library vs. information science and application vs. theory. Interdisciplinarity as an often-assumed foundation of information science is challenged.FindingsInformation science is concerned with how information is manifested across space and time. Information is manifested to facilitate and support the representation, access, documentation and preservation of ideas, activities, or practices, and to enable different types of interactions. Research and professional practice encompass the infrastructures – institutions and technology –and phenomena and practices around manifested information across space and time as its core contribution to the scholarly landscape. Information science collaborates with other disciplines to work on complex information problems that need multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to address them.Originality/valueThe paper argues that new information problems may change the core of the field, but throughout its existence, the discipline has remained quite stable in its central focus, yet proved to be highly adaptive to the tremendous changes in the forms, practices, institutions and technologies around and for manifested information.

Professional social connections are associated with student science identity in a research‐based field biology course

AbstractUndergraduate field courses provide students with valuable opportunities to learn in and from the natural environment. Prior research shows that field courses can improve students' cognitive and affective outcomes and encourage them to engage in social interaction with their classmates and professors. Despite frequent documentation of the ability for field courses to promote social relationships, no prior studies have characterized student interaction in this context or its influence on student outcomes. To better understand student interactions, we used social network analysis to characterize how and with whom students formed communities in a semester‐long field course with an integrated research project. We found that students form small, tightly connected communities composed of professional and personal contacts with whom they maintain contact throughout the semester. We asked students what they discussed when talking about their research project with their professional and personal contacts. We found that students explained their research to members of their professional and personal communities. Discussions with professional communities largely focused on guidance related to the technical aspects of their research projects and personal communities focused on personal support. We also examined student research project performance and science identity. Bootstrapped multivariate linear modeling indicated that neither student demographic factors nor the degree to which a student discussed their research with their personal or professional communities influenced their research project grades. However, the strength of the professional but not personal connections was associated with science identity. Based on these findings, we offer evidence‐based recommendations to field course instructors on how best to structure student interaction.