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Perceptions of females in undergraduate computer science/technology programs toward the field of computer science: a mixed methods study
Publisher:
  • Saint Louis University
  • Computer Science Dept. 3525 Caroline St. St. Louis, MO
  • United States
ISBN:978-1-267-15722-5
Order Number:AAI3494281
Pages:
157
Bibliometrics
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Abstract

This mixed-methods study was based on 35 online surveys and 11 follow-up telephone interviews of undergraduate female students enrolled in online or traditional face-to-face computer science/technology programs. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in perceptions and attitudes toward the field of computer science/technology between these two groups. Three accredited not-for-profit Midwestern universities offering either online or traditional face-to-face programs in computer science/technology participated in this study. This study utilized the Computer Science Attitude Survey (CSAS) (Weibe, Williams, Yang, & Miller, 2003) to collect survey data. The five survey subscales were analyzed using t-tests. Due to the small survey response rate, Mann-Whitney U tests were also conducted. Results of these tests indicated no significant difference in the perception and attitudes of these two groups toward the field of computer science/technology. An analysis of the interview data resulted in the discovery of five themes: Grown to Like Computer Science, Prior Computer Experience, Encouragement, Faculty Accessibility, and Small Class Size.

Contributors
  • Webster University

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