John R. Staver

The Influence of On-Campus Work in Science on Science Career Choice During College: A Causal Modeling Approach

Abstract: Regression analysis was employed to assess the influence of on-campus work in science on science career choice after two years of college. A causal model, which included background/family traits, secondary school experiences, career choice prior to college, college major, college achievement and on-campus science-oriented work experience, was tested on a national sample of 5162 students from 74 four year colleges and universities. The causal model explained 29% and 16% of the respective variances in male and female choice of science as a career. Controlling for all other variables in the model, science oriented on-campus work experience had a significant positive influence on science career choice for both sexes. Having a mother who was a career scientist had a positive, indirect influence on outcome science careerchoice for women, while having a scientist father had a positive indirect influence on male science career choice.