| This study examines the personal attributes and interpersonal influences affecting women who have chosen to enter a nontraditional field of study. The sample consists of 82 women who were enrolled as freshmen in Engineering majors two years previously, and now are in their Junior year. The sample divides into two groups; those who persisted (n = 49), and those who have transferred (n = 33). Participants completed the following measures: A Family Information Sheet, the Personal Attributes Questionnaire, The Work and Family Orientation Questionnaire, The Parental Attitudes Questionnaire and a fifth measure assessing role models and parental encouragement. Results suggest that persisters have high levels of mastery, are slightly more androgynous, hold less traditional gender stereotypes, have strong relationships with their parents, and are better prepared because of earlier commitment to engineering. Transfer students report experiencing more negative social influences, have engaged in fewer associated activities, and made later decisions to enter engineering. |
