Women are under-represented in Mathematics, Physics and other Sciences. Why? Do women just have different intellectual strengths than men? In other words, are they incapable of excelling in Physics and Math? Or does discrimination limit achievements of women in these subjects? Lots of speculation and public discussion accumulated about this topic - especially after Lawrence Summers bold statement that there might be a good reason for the under-representation of women (read here). Last week in Science, psychologists focussed rather on over-coming the inequality than in understanding it - with astonishing success.
Miyake et al. describe in their Science article the results of a double blind experiment. One group of students in Physics were asked to write a value affirmative essay at the beginning and the end of the term. This mini-psychological intervention takes 15 minutes and is known to increase self confidence. Only for women, writing the essay significantly increased their grades from C to B level. Hence, the intervention closes the gap between men and women. It is surprising that such a 15' essay not related to the course work can have such a big effect. Furthermore, the effect might be long-lasting as it can lead to a self-enforcing gain in self-confidence.
And what can other students learn from this study? Low self-confidence can limit achievements and successes resulting in a vicious circle. Indirectly, it confirms that peer-group pressure and competition is destructive while peer-group assurance is support is beneficial. Actually, it is very sad that such an idea 'woman are bad in Physics' can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We should believe in the opportunities of individuals rather than in their inborn limitations!
Miyake et al. describe in their Science article the results of a double blind experiment. One group of students in Physics were asked to write a value affirmative essay at the beginning and the end of the term. This mini-psychological intervention takes 15 minutes and is known to increase self confidence. Only for women, writing the essay significantly increased their grades from C to B level. Hence, the intervention closes the gap between men and women. It is surprising that such a 15' essay not related to the course work can have such a big effect. Furthermore, the effect might be long-lasting as it can lead to a self-enforcing gain in self-confidence.
And what can other students learn from this study? Low self-confidence can limit achievements and successes resulting in a vicious circle. Indirectly, it confirms that peer-group pressure and competition is destructive while peer-group assurance is support is beneficial. Actually, it is very sad that such an idea 'woman are bad in Physics' can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We should believe in the opportunities of individuals rather than in their inborn limitations!
