Gender and assessment in STEM subjects

Program Code: 1631

Objectives:

Females are under-represented in the physical sciences and engineering, and there is often a gender gap on assessment tasks, including standard diagnostic tests. The aim of this project is to explore patterns of gender differences on different types of assessment, and investigate the causes of these differences. The effects of different types of instruction, use of resources and study approaches on gender gaps will also be investigated.

Description of work:

This project involves collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, including assessment results, surveys and interviews. Some of the data will be collected at UNSW Canberra, particularly interview data. Large data sets such as results from the Australian Science Olympiads physics exams will also be analysed.

The candidate will need to able to use, or be willing to learn, both qualitative and statistical data analysis techniques. 

Also available as a Master by Research project (2651).

This project may also be undertaken in the School of Science as a PhD project (1892) or a Master by Research project (2931) under the supervision of Dr David Low d.low@adfa.edu.au.

Contact:

Dr Kate Wilson k.wilson@adfa.edu.au