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Dryad

Data from: More than a token photo: humanising scientists enhances student engagement

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Nov 20, 2024 version files 1.70 MB

Abstract

Despite broad consensus that highlighting counter-stereotypical scientist role models in educational materials promotes equity and success, the specific elements that make these materials effective remain untested. Are pictures of counter-stereotypical scientists enough to communicate to students that scientists come from a variety of backgrounds, or is additional information required? To parse the effects of including visual depictions and humanising information about scientists featured in biology course materials, we distributed three randomised versions of assignments over several academic terms across 36 undergraduate institutions (N > 3,700 students). We found that the inclusion of humanising information about scientists was key to increasing student engagement with the biology course materials. Structural equation modelling revealed that the extent to which students related to scientists mediated the positive effect of humanising descriptions on student engagement. Further, our results were strongest among students who shared one or more excluded identity(s) with the featured scientists. Our findings underscore the importance of providing students with examples of humanised and relatable scientists in classrooms. Rather than simply adding a photo to increase representation, showcasing scientists as actual people (enjoying hobbies, experiencing setbacks, etc.) is a promising intervention to engage students with identities systemically excluded from biology.