Adam Morley with Sue Hinze (sociology), Glenn Starkman & Cyrus Taylor (2nd semester of project)

A Study of Gender in Undergraduate Physics Majors and Minors at Case Western Reserve University

We will analyze the enrollment of women in undergraduate physics at Case Western Reserve University, specifically why the percentage of women majoring or minoring in physics is significantly less than the percentage of women undergraduates enrolled at the university. We will first analyze the applicable literature, starting with literature relating to gender in physics and/or the hard sciences, written by those in the hard sciences. Then, we will analyze the literature produced by those in sociology, anthropology and other social sciences. After the literature analysis portion, we will conduct a survey, either custom created or an attempt to replicate previous survey data to ascertain what factors contribute to the disproportionate (less than expected) enrollment of women in physics. We will survey those currently enrolled in physics, those previously (but no longer) enrolled in physics, and a random sample of students outside of physics. Proper random sample selection methods will be used. This survey will be followed up with individual interviews of survey participants if time permits.