Examining the power of performance : an investigation into STEM persistence across field of study and gender
Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction WHY STUDY STEM FIELDS?Innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have driven economic growth in the United States since the 1950's, helping to create a competitive job market and a high standard of living for those employed in these fields (Atkinson & Mayo, 2010;Baker, Smith, & Swanson, 2011).The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that scientific and technological innovation is responsible for almost 75 percent of the growth in the American economy since World War II (Glassman, 2010).This innovation has played an essential role in the improvements in health care, education, transportation, environmental science, and national security, while at the same time creating higher-skilled and better-paid American workers (OECD, 1994).Continued innovation is dependent upon a workforce educated in STEM.As the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (2010) observes, "Education systems play a broad role in supporting innovation because knowledge-based societies rely on a highly-qualified and flexible labor-force in all sectors of the economy and society."A highly educated workforce is necessary for scientific innovation, and for this reason, governmental agencies have focused on policies designed to increase educational attainment in STEM.Concerns over both the quality and quantity of the STEM workforce have ignited fears about the ability of the United States to remain a leader in scientific innovation (National Academy of Science, 2005).Carnevale, Smith, and Strohl (2010) warn that
Author: Barbara King
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1755360253