Write an introductory paragraph that includes the following:
• Describe the social problem for your chosen proposal and identify which identity group in society is most affected by the social problem. For example, describe if you are studying a particular demographic or unique cultural phenomenon.
• Explain why does your proposal topic matters to you, and why it should matter to the reader?
Worldview (2- 3 paragraphs)
Please review and incorporate any feedback given to you by your instructor in week 1. Please make sure that this section addresses the following:
• Identify which worldview (Constructivism, Positivism/Post Positivism, Pragmatism, and Advocacy/Participatory) your project will be grounded in.
• Justify why you think your chosen research methodology is the best choice for this type of research.
o How does the chosen worldview lend itself to this research methodology?
o Does your proposal involve quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research? Why?
• Explain the alignment of the research methodology with the chosen research questions, objectives, and the worldview.
Literature Review (3 paragraphs)
Next, list three keywords related to your topic and use these keywords to do a database search in the University of Arizona Global Campus Library for journal articles on the topic.
• Select at least 3 articles related to your proposal and include a one-paragraph summary of each article.
• Evaluate how the articles you select support, reject, or prompt cause for further research.
Conclusion (1 Paragraph)
• Discuss how you might use existing research to support your hypothesis, if your study blazes a new trail not yet addressed, and any challenges you might anticipate in your own research. Include whether the articles you selected address your topic and if there are gaps in the literature.
Social Problem and Worldview
Social Problem:
This proposal will investigate the social problem of gender bias in STEM education, specifically focusing on how it discourages and disadvantages girls from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Girls are often stereotyped as being less capable in these fields, which can lead to a lack of confidence and opportunities to develop their skills and interest. This underrepresentation of women in STEM fields has a significant impact on innovation and economic growth.
Personal Connection and Importance:
As someone who values equality and the importance of diverse perspectives in all fields, this issue deeply concerns me. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM education unlocks their full potential and fosters a more balanced and innovative workforce. Understanding the root causes of gender bias and developing effective interventions is crucial to creating a future where girls feel empowered to embrace STEM opportunities.
Worldview: Constructivism
This research project will be grounded in the constructivist worldview. Constructivism emphasizes the socially constructed nature of knowledge and the importance of understanding how individuals and groups develop their understanding of the world. This approach is particularly well-suited for this research because gender bias is a complex social phenomenon influenced by cultural norms, educational practices, and individual experiences. By exploring the perspectives of girls, educators, and parents, we can gain valuable insights into how gender bias manifests in STEM education and how to challenge these biases.
Constructivism and Methodology
A qualitative research methodology, informed by the constructivist worldview, will be employed. This methodology allows for in-depth exploration of lived experiences and perceptions surrounding gender bias in STEM education. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with girls, educators, and parents, we can gather rich data that reveals the challenges and potential solutions related to this issue. This qualitative approach aligns with the research questions and objectives, which aim to understand the subjective experiences of individuals and groups within the social context of STEM education.
Literature Review Keywords:
Sample Articles:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to gender bias in STEM education, including societal stereotypes, lack of female role models, and implicit biases held by educators. The research supports the existence of gender bias and its negative impact on girls’ participation in STEM fields.
This article explores successful interventions designed to promote girls’ interest and confidence in STEM subjects. The research suggests that after-school programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to female STEM professionals can be effective in mitigating gender bias and encouraging girls’ participation.
This article investigates the role of unconscious bias held by teachers in perpetuating gender bias in STEM classrooms. The research suggests that implicit bias training for educators can be a valuable tool in creating a more equitable learning environment for all students.
Conclusion
The existing research provides a strong foundation for this project. The articles reviewed support the existence of gender bias in STEM education and highlight the need for interventions to address this issue. However, there is always room for further research to explore the specific experiences of girls from diverse backgrounds and to evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies in promoting gender equality in STEM fields. This research has the potential to contribute to a growing body of knowledge and inform the development of practical solutions for dismantling gender bias and empowering girls to pursue their full potential in STEM education.