ISS21

Cormac Harris and Alan O’Sullivan, Colaiste Choilm Secondary School, Co. Cork (Winners of the BT Young Scientists 2020 and the European Union Contest for Young Scientist 2021)

Wednesday 12 January, 2-3pm - Online via Microsoft Teams

Gender stereotyping can have negative impacts on emotional development, mental health and career choices. The researchers carried out an investigation into the prevalence of gender bias in 376 pupils aged 5-7. They devised 6 survey questions to gauge the pupils' views on various aspects of gender stereotyping, such as linking emotions/feelings to gender and rating the competency of males/females in STEM/non-STEM occupations. They concluded that gender bias does exist in 5-7 year olds. Results show boys are more confident in their own abilities than females, and boys are less willing to recognise female ability. To combat gender stereotyping, they have gathered resources to be used by teachers and parents that explicitly target gender bias.