Self-concept of computer and math ability: Gender implications across time and within ICT studies

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior Vol. 80; no. 2; pp. 486 - 499
• Main Authors: Sáinz, Milagros, Eccles, Jacquelynne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Elsevier Inc 01.04.2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Ability tests; Academic Achievement; Academic Aptitude; Computer ability; Computer Attitudes; Computer Literacy; Correlation; Females; Gender; Gender Differences; ICT studies and achievement; Information Technology; Intention; Majors (Students); Math ability; Math performance; Mathematics; Mathematics Achievement; Mathematics Skills; Organizational behavior; Predictor Variables; Scientific Community; Secondary School Students; Self Concept; Self esteem; Sex; Sex Differences; Spanish Americans; Student Educational Objectives; Studies; Telecommunications; Spain; Math ability; Computer ability; Gender; Math performance; ICT studies and achievement
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2011.08.005

The scarcity of women in ICT-related studies has been systematically reported by the scientific community for many years. This paper has three goals: to analyze gender differences in self-concept of computer and math abilities along with math performance in two consecutive academic years; to study the ontogeny of gender differences in self-concept of computer and of math abilities and math performance across subject areas; and to contrast the role these variables play in predicting ICT-related studies over 2years. 900 (M=15years, s.d.=1.73) and 424 (M=16years, s.d.=.49) Spanish secondary students participated at both times. Self-concept of computer ability is higher in boys at both times; furthermore it decreases in girls and increases in boys across time. At time 2, boys have a higher self-concept of math ability, despite the lack of gender differences in math performance. Participants have a higher self-concept of math ability and math performance at time 1 than at time 2. Self-concepts of computer ability predict the intention to pursue ICT-related studies and mediate the association of gender with the intention to pursue ICT-studies. ► Gender disparities in self-concepts of math and computer ability were examined. ► A gender effect for math ability self-concept emerged. ► The type of Bachillerato chosen moderated the gender differences in all variables. ► Over time boys' self-concept of computer ability increased, while girls' decreased. ► Self-concept of computer ability mediated ICT-related aspirations.