Developing a Framework for Assessing Identity Development Retention and Success of STEM Social and Behavioral Scientists (STEM-SBS): The Case of Sociology
Summary
The proposed study addresses the growing need for trained social and behavioral science (STEM-SBS) researchers who can address society’s complex challenges, such as climate change, public health threats and technological vulnerabilities. Although many problems are engineering, technologically or medically related, at their root they are social and behavioral in nature. The challenges posed by climate change and COVID-19 highlight the human aspects. Despite the importance of STEM-SBS disciplines in their solutions, and even though persistence and success in STEM are linked to identity development, little work to date has examined how students form professional identities and evolve into STEM-SBS researchers and professionals. Consequently, opportunities to expand and diversify STEM-SBS fields, to design authentic learning experiences, and to strengthen innovation in STEM overall are diminished.