Keywords
Medical pipeline, intersectionality, underrepresented minority women, science positionality, self efficacy
Abstract
This study focused on the self-efficacy and experiences described by a purposively sampled case (n = 8) of high school-aged underrepresented minority women (URMW) as they entered the medical career pipeline through their participation in a formal medical pipeline program. The study was framed by three theories: intersectionality, positionality, and self-efficacy. Research questions were analyzed qualitatively, using case study methods, and quantitatively, using a paired sample t-test. Study data revealed that participants came into the program with high levels of self-efficacy in several self-efficacy factors. Yet, participants in the pipeline program made significant improvements in their self-assertive efficacy. Analysis of other data revealed that students remained motivated and persisted in the pursuit of their aspirations in spite of challenges they encountered because of their ethnicities and gender. Also, students described a lack of engagement with science courses, indicated poor relationships with science instructors, and revealed inadequate understanding of important high science content that, along with ethnic and gendered factors, caused them to negatively position themselves in science. This study provides valuable information to K-12 science educators, medical education institutions, and policy makers concerned with extending science education and healthcare-related career opportunities to minority women.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2014
Semester
Summer
Advisor
Jeanpierre, Bobby
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
College of Education and Human Performance
Degree Program
Education; Science Education
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0005321
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0005321
Language
English
Release Date
August 2014
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)
Subjects
Dissertations, Academic -- Education and Human Performance; Education and Human Performance -- Dissertations, Academic
STARS Citation
Dames, Jennifer, "A Case Study of the Self-efficacy of High School Aged Underrepresented Minority Women Entering the Medical Pipeline" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4547.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/4547