This study investigated a model of predictors of higher-level career aspirations among two groups of women: students in mathematics, physical science, and engineering majors and students in biological science majors. Based on social cognitive theory, it was hypothesized that ability, self-efficacy, positivity of role model influence, and role conflict would influence the higher-level career aspirations of these women. Data obtained from a mail survey of 546 students (representing a 71% response rate) revealed that the hypothesized model provided a good overall fit to the data. When the two groups of students were compared, identical models for women in the two groups revealed different relationships among the variables. In contrast to the women in math, physical science, and engineering majors, the relationships between ability and self-efficacy and between positivity of role model influence and self-efficacy were significantly lower in magnitude for women in the biological sciences group. These findings suggest ideas for interventions designed to increase the number of women aspiring to top positions within non-traditional careers.

 
Nauta, M. M., Epperson, D. L., & Kahn, J. H. (in press). A multiple groups analysis of predictors of career aspirations among women in mathematics, science, and engineering majors. Journal of Counseling Psychology.