GSE/RES: Latinas in Computer Science and Engineering: A Qualitative Study Examining Identity and Agency for Resilience and Persistence

智力优势：德克萨斯大学埃尔帕索分校（UTEP）的一个跨学科学者团队进行的定性研究调查正在探索影响拉丁裔决定主修和坚持计算机科学和/或工程作为学习课程的因素。该研究的理论框架包括身份的社会文化理论，其中身份是由个人、社会经济地位、语言和文化知识、信仰和价值观动态塑造和调解的。研究人员正在深入采访20-30名即将毕业的大四学生和二年级学生，了解他们作为计算机科学和/或工程专业学生的经历。数据收集还包括参与者观察协议和焦点小组。数据分析使用话语分析和生活图表作为相互关联的解释实践分析。预期的结果是建立新的知识和理论，最终可以告知广大利益相关者如何支持影响拉丁美洲人职业选择和坚持的积极因素（并对抗消极因素）。更广泛的影响：拟议的工作将有助于建立知识体系，并建立新的理论，围绕拉丁裔的招聘、保留和完成计算机科学与工程学位。目前，在这些学科中缺乏专门针对拉丁裔的研究。这些发现将为进一步的研究奠定基础，为利益相关者提供修改和扩展教育和经验方法的方法，以扩大拉丁裔在工程领域的参与。了解影响拉丁裔在计算机科学和工程领域的教育和职业选择的社会经济阶层、语言、文化知识、信仰、家庭动态和价值观等缓解因素，可以为教育环境和推广项目提供适当的干预措施。调查人员将通过出版物和演讲传播结果和建议。

Intellectual Merit: This qualitative research investigation by an interdisciplinary team of scholars at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is exploring factors that influence Latinas' decision to major in and persist in computer science and/or engineering as a course of study. The theoretical frame of the study includes a socio-cultural theory of identity in which identity is dynamically shaped and mediated by personal, socio-economic status, linguistic and cultural knowledge, beliefs, and values. Researchers are interviewing between 20-30 graduating seniors and 2nd year majors in depth about their experiences as computer science and/or engineering majors. Data gathering also includes participant observation protocols and focus groups. Data are analyzed using discourse analysis and life charting as interconnected interpretative practices for analysis. The expected outcome is new knowledge and theory building that could eventually inform a wide audience of stakeholders of how to support positive factors (and counter negative factors) that influence career choice and persistence among Latinas.Broader Impacts: The proposed work will contribute to the body of knowledge and build new theories around Latinas' recruitment to, retention and completion of degrees in computer science and engineering. Currently, there is a lack of research that focuses solely on Latinas in these disciplines. The findings will lay the groundwork for further studies that can advise stakeholders of ways to modify and extend the educational and experiential approaches to broadening participation of Latinas in engineering. Understanding the mitigating factors, such as socio-economic class, language, cultural knowledge, beliefs, family dynamics and values, that influence Latinas' education and career choices in computer science and engineering could inform appropriate interventions in educational settings and outreach programs. The investigators will disseminate the results and recommendations through publications and presentations.