A comparison of females in levels I, II, and III as per the influence of mentorship on their attitudes towards science and their career aspirations

• Main Author: Kelly, Jill E.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2001
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/9092/; https://research.library.mun.ca/9092/1/Kelly_JillE.pdf

The purposes of this study were to examine the influence of mentoring; the attitudes towards science, and the occupational plans of adolescent females in Levels I, II and HI in an urban high school in Newfoundland and Labrador. -- Individual questionnaires were administered to 121 students attending one urban high school. The data from 75 returned questionnaires were analyzed using the statistical program, SPSS. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequencies, along with chi-squared analysis were used to analyze the data. -- The findings indicated that 75% of the young women in the study could identify one or more mentors in their lives. There were no significant differences between those who identified mentors and those who did not on variables of attitudes towards self in the present or future, self-esteem, occupational plans, attitudes towards science, or beliefs regarding women in science occupations. Some of the findings on young women's self-esteem and attitudes towards science and science-related occupations were not consistent with findings reported in earlier studies. -- Most of the young women in the study believed that significant adults in their lives had influenced their career-related decisions and supported the notion that schools should encourage mentoring. The majority reported having good self-esteem and felt confident when voicing their opinions. Most of the women surveyed were confident in their abilities in the sciences and believed they would be successful in school. -- It is recommended that parents become informed of the impact they and other significant adults have on the career decisions of their daughters. It is also recommended that schools attempt to promote mentoring for young women and to guide young women in their career planning, ensuring that occupations in science are presented as viable and possible options.