From bespectacled, bearded and bald to explosions, potions and vaccines: Irish children’s changing perceptions of scientists and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on those perceptions

Abstract

Concern that stereotypical perceptions of scientists may influence attitudes towards science and willingness to pursue STEM-related careers has motivated interest in children’s perceptions of scientists. This study investigated primary children’s drawings of scientists at work based on Chambers’ ‘Draw-A-Scientist Test’ (DAST) and explored the influence of living during the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptions of scientists. One hundred and ninety-four children participated in the study; school closures interrupted the study resulting in fifty-one participating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stereotypic views of scientists that increased with age were revealed; differences between age groups were statistically significant. Drawings frequently depicted smiling lab-coated males working indoors using chemistry equipment. Boys incorporated significantly more stereotypic views in their drawings than girls. Same-sex preference for drawings of scientists was evident with female scientists drawn only by girls; however, this same sex preference weakened for girls, and they drew more male scientists as they got older. The absence of many traditional stereotypical indicators and presence of positive dispositions towards scientists and their work were welcome findings. There was greater awareness of the work of scientists amongst younger participants and a shift to broader conceptions of this work, both associated with living during the COVID-19 pandemic.