Perceptions of Scientists and Stereotypes through the Eyes of Young School Children

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to investigate children’s representations of scientists using the Draw-a-Scientist Test (DAST). Participants (n=210) were young school children from Romania enrolled in both rural and urban public schools from grade levels 3, 4, and 5. The study findings showed that most children represented stereotypical characteristics of scientists in their drawings such as white male wearing lab coats using instruments that reflected a chemistry lab. Results also indicated statistically significant differences in the score of stereotyping indicators with respect to student grade level. Additionally, students who visited science museums scored significantly higher in stereotyping indicators than students who indicated on their survey answers that they have not visited science museums. Findings are discussed in relationship with students’ views about scientists and their understanding of science.