Abstract:

Since 1957, researchers have documented students’ stereotypical perceptions of scientists, which extend to other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions. Despite efforts to present diverse STEM professionals across gender, race, and workplace settings, students generally perceive them as white males working in isolation. These stereotypes are similarly held by in-service and pre-service teachers, who play a significant role in shaping students' understanding of STEM careers.

This study explores the persistence of these stereotypes through the Draw-A-STEM Professional Test (DASP), an adaptation of Chambers’ (1983) Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST). A total of 634 students, ranging from preschool through fifth grade, as well as 77 pre-service and 121 in-service teachers, participated in the study. Participants were asked to draw a STEM professional, and their drawings were analyzed for common stereotypical attributes, such as gender, race, and setting. The study aimed to determine whether modern educational practices and media representations have influenced students’ and teachers’ perceptions of STEM professionals.

Findings revealed that the stereotypes persist, with many participants depicting STEM professionals as white males working alone in laboratory settings. These perceptions continue to undermine students’ self-efficacy and interest in STEM fields (Finson, 2000; Schibeci, 1989), and discourage them from pursuing science careers (Hammrich, 1997). Visualizing oneself in a STEM career is critical for students to engage meaningfully with these fields (Beardslee & O’Dowd, 1961).
The study also highlights global trends, as similar stereotypes were found in studies conducted in Portugal, Italy, and the UAE (Ferreira & Valente, 2023; Bozzato et al., 2021; Dickson & McMinn, 2022). Initiatives like CodeBears and Scientists of Tomorrow work to challenge these stereotypes by providing diverse role models and engaging activities (Mack et al., 2024; Rangel et al., 2023).

Keywords:

STEM Education, Stereotypes, Scientists, Student Perceptions, Teacher Education, Diversity in STEM, Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST), Draw-A-STEM Professional Test (DASP), Science Literacy, Educational Strategies, Self-Efficacy, STEM Careers.