Reasons for the Perceived Images of Scientists by Race and Gender of Students in Grades 1–7

The study described focused on the gender and race of subjects and their perceptions about scientists. Of particular interest were the factors behind a particular subject drawing a scientist of a particular race and/or gender. Subjects were asked to describe their scientist and provide a reason for drawing it of a particular race and gender. Grade level, gender, and race of subjects were recorded with their responses. Interviewers were 25 junior/senior level preservice elementary teachers. Three‐hundred fifty‐eight subjects were administered the DAST and subsequently interviewed. Data were collected from subjects in Grades 1 to 7 in 24 elementary and middle schools (Grades K‐9). Subjects' reasons for drawing a scientist a particular race and gender were determined by evaluators to fall into 12 categories.