Gender gap in math confidence is studied [View All]

Gender gap in math confidence is studied

CHICAGO, July 26 (UPI) -- A survey of middle school girls suggests their self-confidence in math suffers when their parents believe math is a male domain

Researchers Ruchi Bhanot and Jasna Jovanovic of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which released research data Tuesday, said a gender gap exists in math and science, but it's a gap about performance or achievement.

"It's about attitudes," said Jovanovic, a professor of human and community development. "Girls are not as confident about math and science."

According to the 2000 National Assessment of Educational Progress, 71 percent of eighth-grade boys and 60 percent of eighth-grade girls reported confidence in their math ability. The gender gap in confidence persists into high school.

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