Fewer Women Pursue Science Courses due to Low Confidence in Mathematical Ability

According to a study published in the 'Frontiers in Psychology' journal, female students have lower confidence levels regarding their mathematical abilities as compared to boys even though there is no difference in their abilities.

Low confidence in solving complex mathematical problems is the reason why fewer girls choose science courses. The research has also stated that perception gaps are wider at higher education levels.

Lara Perez-Felkner, a part of the Florida State University and researching team, said that the gender gap in science courses has nothing to do with the ability of females.

She also added that according to the survey, boys feel more confident about their mathematical abilities and rate themselves higher. However, girls rate their mathematical skills lower. It was found that boys rate their abilities 27% higher than girls.

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Amongst equally talented boys and girls, boys felt more confident about pursuing difficult mathematical concepts, the survey reported. The survey was conducted for the students of 10th grade to study their journey until two years after high school.

The students were also asked different questions to determine their potential choice of a subject the at college level. It was indicated that confidence levels largely impact the choice of majors in college.

Studies also prove that from a very young age, boys are motivated to pursue challenging tasks whereas girls are encouraged to chase perfection. This is one of the reasons why girls grow up following more restrictive standards enforced upon them by the society.

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Various researchers also pointed out that gender differences in confidence levels regarding mathematical ability will be disadvantageous in the longer run.