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Computer science work and interest profiles: stereotype vs. realities
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Computer science work and interest profiles: stereotype vs. realities

Rong Su, Dan J. Putka and James Rounds
Scientific reports, Vol.13(1), 21910
12/11/2023
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47963-3
PMCID: PMC10713604
PMID: 38081832
url
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47963-3View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction Increasing the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is critically important for the effective utilization of human capital and the sustained competitiveness of these fields. McChesney et al.1 demonstrated the discrepancy between the career interests of individuals they believed to be currently in or aspiring to computer science (CS) occupations and the average Occupational Interest Profile (OIP) for those occupations from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). They cautioned that stereotypical descriptions of CS career interests could deter women from entering the field. While we share their view on the need to represent interest diversity within CS (and STEM occupations in general), we see the critical need to clarify the nature of the OIPs and point out that McChesney et al.’s analyses and conclusions were based on a heterogeneous set of jobs rather than CS occupations. Importantly, we suggest evidence-based practices for broadening the participation of women in STEM.
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