An Investigation of University Students and Professionals’ Professional STEM Identity Status

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Set amidst the backdrop of concerns related to the entry of students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, this study seeks to understand the Professional STEM Identity status of STEM undergraduate students and STEM professionals. This study utilizes a cross-sectional research design to compare participant scores in the categories of affirmation, in-depth exploration, practices, commitment, and reconsideration of commitment in the Professional Identity Status Questionnaire (PISQ-5d). Cluster analysis was performed on the scores to indicate five Professional STEM Identity statuses: achievement status, foreclosure status, moratorium status, searching moratorium status, and diffused status. We initially envisaged that those in STEM careers would have more established STEM identities reflected in higher numbers in an achievement status category; however, this was not the case. These findings raise questions about the dominant approaches used in career guidance for STEM. We conclude that a more fluid and less fixed understanding of Professional STEM Identity may better guide research in the area of STEM and inform institutions that encourage strong affinities to particular STEM careers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)536-546
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Science Education and Technology
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2020

Keywords

  • Gender
  • Higher education
  • Professional identity
  • STEM
  • STEM careers
  • STEM identity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An Investigation of University Students and Professionals’ Professional STEM Identity Status'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this