Journal article
An Investigation of University Students and Professionals’ Professional STEM Identity Status
Journal of Science Education and Technology, Vol.29(4), pp.536-546
2020
Abstract
Set amidst the backdrop of concerns related to the entry of students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, this study seeks to understand the Professional STEM Identity status of STEM undergraduate students and STEM professionals. This study utilizes a cross-sectional research design to compare participant scores in the categories of affirmation, in-depth exploration, practices, commitment, and reconsideration of commitment in the Professional Identity Status Questionnaire (PISQ-5d). Cluster analysis was performed on the scores to indicate five Professional STEM Identity statuses: achievement status, foreclosure status, moratorium status, searching moratorium status, and diffused status. We initially envisaged that those in STEM careers would have more established STEM identities reflected in higher numbers in an achievement status category; however, this was not the case. These findings raise questions about the dominant approaches used in career guidance for STEM. We conclude that a more fluid and less fixed understanding of Professional STEM Identity may better guide research in the area of STEM and inform institutions that encourage strong affinities to particular STEM careers.
Details
- Title
- An Investigation of University Students and Professionals’ Professional STEM Identity Status
- Authors
- Regina Kelly (Corresponding Author) - University of LimerickOliver Mc Garr (Author) - University of LimerickKeelin Leahy (Author) - University of LimerickMerrilyn Goos (Author) - University of Limerick
- Publication details
- Journal of Science Education and Technology, Vol.29(4), pp.536-546
- Publisher
- Springer Netherlands
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10956-020-09834-8
- ISSN
- 1573-1839
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99554408502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Education & Educational Research
- Education, Scientific Disciplines
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