Causes and consequences of stereotypes: interest stereotypes reduce adolescent girls’ motivation to enroll in computer science classes

Abstract

Motivating girls to enroll in computer science (CS) courses is critically important. Stereotypes that girls are less interested than boys in CS may deter girls. Three preregistered experimental studies (N = 1,053) examined causal links between gender-interest stereotypes and middle school students’ CS motivation. Experiment 1 showed that stereotypes reduced girls’ motivation to enroll, mediated by a lower sense of belonging. Experiment 2 showed that underrepresentation is a cue to stereotypes. Experiment 3 demonstrated that providing information about other girls’ interest countered stereotypes and promoted motivation. Directly addressing stereotypes may be instrumental in promoting equity for all in CS.