Maximizing the impact of exposure to scientific role models: Testing an intervention to increase science identity among adolescent girls

A field experiment tested an intervention to maximize the impact of a science outreach program by encouraging early adolescent girls (N = 240, M_age =12) to adopt female role models. Girls participated in workshops led by female role models who were scientific experts in their field. Afterward, they were randomly assigned to choose and write about their favorite workshop leader or to write about the first workshop leader. We hypothesized that the intervention would benefit girls who chose and wrote about a favorite leader. However, girls in both conditions experienced significant increases in science identity. Girls demonstrated strong role model identification with the workshop leaders; moreover, role model identification was associated with increases in science identity. Girls in the chosen leader condition focused on her competence and supportiveness more than girls in the assigned leader condition. There was no difference in science identity between girls from well-represented and underrepresented minority (URM) ethnic groups in scientific fields. URM girls, surprisingly, identified more with the workshop leader than well-represented girls. Science workshops led by female role models with relevant expertise may facilitate science identification among early adolescent girls from diverse ethnic backgrounds.     

Psychology in Venezuela: Perceptions and Opinions of Research Psychologists

On décrit dans cet article le développement de la psychologie en tant que discipline universitaire au Venezuela. Les résultats d'une étude empirique de 1978 servent de base de comparaison avec des données plus recentes récueillies lors d'une enquête réalisée en 1995. Cette investigation portait sur les opinions de psychologues universitaires à propos de la recherche en psychologie au Venezuela. Les résultats quantitatifs et qualitatifs de cette étude furent analysés et comparés a ceux d'autres recherches dans ce domaine. l'examen de ces données est suivi d'une discussion où l'on essaie de préciser la situation actuelle et à venir de la recherche en psychologie au Venezuela.
In this article the development of psychology as an academic discipline in Venezuela is reviewed. The results of an empirical study in 1978 are described to set the basis for comparison with more recent data. The results of a survey completed in 1995 are reported and discussed. This survey was aimed at obtaining the opinions of academic psychologists about psychological research in Venezuela. The quantitative and qualitative results of this study were assessed and compared to other research in this area. Consideration of these data are followed by discussion to clarify the present status and future prospects for psychological research in Venezuela.