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

智力优势：由德克萨斯大学埃尔帕索分校（UTEP）的跨学科学者团队进行的定性研究调查正在探索影响拉丁美洲人决定主修并坚持计算机科学和/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，其中身份是动态塑造和介导的个人，社会经济地位，语言和文化知识，信仰和价值观。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。 使用话语分析和生活图表作为相互关联的分析解释实践来分析数据。预期的结果是新的知识和理论建设，最终可以告知广大受众的利益相关者如何支持积极因素（和反消极因素），影响职业选择和持久性之间Latinas.Broader影响：拟议的工作将有助于知识的主体，并建立新的理论，围绕拉丁美洲的招聘，保留和完成计算机科学和工程学位。目前，在这些学科中缺乏只关注拉丁裔的研究。研究结果将为进一步的研究奠定基础，这些研究可以为利益相关者提供修改和扩展教育和经验方法的方法，以扩大拉丁美洲人在工程中的参与。了解缓解因素，如社会经济阶层，语言，文化知识，信仰，家庭动态和价值观，影响拉丁美洲人的教育和职业选择在计算机科学和工程可以告知教育环境和推广计划的适当干预。 调查人员将通过出版物和介绍传播调查结果和建议。

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.