Stereotypical Images of STEM Professionals and STEM Career Interests in Chinese Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study investigated stereotypical images of STEM professions and STEM career interest in Chinese elementary school students. The relationships between stereotypical images of STEM professionals and STEM career interests were also determined. Data for this study was gathered from two elementary schools in China, forming a convenience sample of 318 students enrolled from 3rd to 6th grade. Quantitative data of stereotypes about STEM professionals’ social skills, positive images of STEM professionals, views on STEM implications for society, and STEM career interests were gathered by a questionnaire with Likert scale. Follow-up structured interviews were performed with 12 participants. Elementary school students had strong stereotypes about STEM professionals’ social skills, slightly deep positive image of STEM professionals, and very positive views on STEM implications for society. However, their STEM career interests were not very high. Besides, elementary school students’ stereotypes about STEM professionals’ social skills have minor negative effects on their STEM career interests. Their positive image of STEM professionals and views on STEM implications for society have significant correlation with their STEM career interests.