Domain-differentiated Researcher Representations and Future Occupational Aspirations of Science-gifted Students
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST) has repeatedly shown that students hold a single, stereotyped image of the scientist, a middle-aged white man in a lab coat working alone indoors. This study asked whether that singular image holds when science-gifted students are prompted to draw an expert in their own field and when their drawings are considered alongside their envisioned occupational futures. A total of 128 science-gifted students (grades 6–8; 98 boys, 30 girls) from nine specialization tracks at a university-affiliated science-gifted education institute completed a modified DAST, asking them to draw a researcher from their own field showing "where, with what tools, and doing what," together with open-response items on their hoped-for occupation and future aspirations. Drawings were coded using a developmentally and domain-adapted three-layer scheme (classic stereotype markers; figure representation; domain-specific practice), and future-self-related responses were coded for occupational science linkage, aspiration orientation, and learning needs. Classic stereotype indicators were rare, while domain-related research practices were represented. Researcher representations also differed across specialization domains, particularly in research activities. Most students named a STEM-related future occupation, and their aspirations focused on social contribution and the pursuit of knowledge. Researcher representations and envisioned occupational futures showed partial alignment at the domain level. Keywords: domain differentiation, Draw-A-Scientist Test, gifted science education, occupational aspirations, researcher representations, science-gifted students
Institution: Jeonbuk National University
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224114026