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

智力价值：这项由德克萨斯大学埃尔帕索分校(UTEP)学者组成的跨学科研究团队进行的这项定性研究调查，正在探索影响拉丁美洲人决定主修并坚持计算机科学和/或工程作为一门课程的因素。该研究的理论框架包括身份认同的社会文化理论，其中身份认同是由个人、社会经济地位、语言和文化知识、信仰和价值观动态塑造和中介的。研究人员正在对20-30名应届毕业生和二年级学生进行深度访谈，了解他们在计算机科学和/或工程专业的经历。数据收集还包括参与者观察方案和焦点小组。数据分析使用话语分析和生命图表作为相互关联的解释实践进行分析。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裔职业选择和坚持性的积极因素(和应对消极因素)。广泛影响：拟议的工作将有助于知识体系，并建立围绕拉丁裔招收、保留和完成计算机科学和工程学位的新理论。目前，在这些学科中缺乏只关注拉丁裔的研究。这些发现将为进一步的研究奠定基础，这些研究可以向利益攸关方提出修改和扩展教育和经验方法的方法，以扩大拉丁裔人对工程的参与。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，可以为教育环境和推广计划提供适当的干预措施。调查员将通过出版物和演示文稿传播结果和建议。

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.