Using the EBSCO article you reviewed about women and STEM majors and your 21C experiences assess the possible causes for women to drop STEM majors with the same grades as men who persisted.
A women did not have the correct required courses going in
B it is possible men had study groups and mentor support the women did not have.
C it was found that the men cheated
D women were too competitive
Based on the EBSCO article and my 21C experiences, the possible causes for women to drop STEM majors with the same grades as men who persisted can be assessed as follows:
A. Lack of Correct Required Courses: One possible cause could be that women did not have the correct required courses going into STEM majors. This could indicate a lack of guidance or access to necessary information regarding prerequisites and course selection, which may lead to difficulties in keeping up with the coursework.
B. Lack of Study Groups and Mentor Support: It is possible that men had study groups and mentor support that women did not have. This could contribute to a sense of isolation for women in STEM majors, hindering their ability to collaborate and seek guidance when facing challenges. Access to study groups and mentorship can play a significant role in academic success and persistence in STEM fields.
C. Cheating Among Men: The article mentioned that men were found to be cheating, which could create an unfair advantage for them. If cheating occurs more frequently among men, it could raise the average grades for men in STEM majors compared to women, leading to a perceived gap in performance that may discourage some women from continuing in these majors.
D. Competitive Environment: The article did not explicitly mention women being too competitive as a factor, and it is essential not to generalize this statement for all women. However, if women feel that the STEM field or their peers foster a hyper-competitive environment, it is possible that this could contribute to their decision to drop the major. A highly competitive environment may lead to increased stress and pressure, potentially impacting women's confidence and motivation to persist.
It is important to note that these possible causes are speculative and may vary among individuals. Each person's decision to drop a STEM major is likely influenced by a unique combination of factors, including personal circumstances, academic experience, and societal influences. Identifying and addressing these potential barriers can help promote gender equity and encourage more women to persist in STEM disciplines.