– The authors found mixed support for their hypotheses that perceived ability under challenge
in mathematics is related to our outcomes of interest :completing advanced science coursework, remaining in intended STEM major fields, and selecting mathematics-intensive science majors
(PEMC).
– Perceived ability under challenge in secondary school varied by gender, and was highly predictive of selecting PEMC and health sciences majors.
– Women’s 12th grade perceptions of their ability under mathematics challenge increased their probability of selecting PEMC majors over and above biology. In addition, gender moderated the effect of growth mindset on students’ selection of health science majors.
– Perceptions of ability under challenge in general and verbal domains also influenced retention in and declaration of certain STEM majors.
– Perceived ability in verbal domains negatively predicts women’s entry into PEMC and health sciences.
– Perceived ability under mathematics challenge in 10th grade matters, and in fact was the only predictive subjective measure (i.e., beyond demographics and ability test scores) of taking advanced science coursework.
– Female gender negatively predicts advanced science course taking.
– Access to higher-level science course work is differentially distributed around the U.S.and likely
varies by the profiles of students’ high schools, not limited to region and urbanicity.