Share Paper: Does the Status of Women Predict the Gender Ratio of Computer Science Students?

1. Julie Smith, University of North Texas, United States

Abstract: In contrast to the experience of other professional fields, the percentage of women in computer science has decreased substantially in recent decades. This phenomenon is a significant and growing problem in a society where new technologies impact nearly every facet of life, including criminal justice and health care. This study examines whether the status of women in a state is related to the gender ratio of Advanced Placement computer science students, since these tests have been shown to be a predictor of female persistence in computer science study in college. A small but significant correlation was found between a state’s ...