Sex and Race Differences in Mathematics Aptitude

1986 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsie G. J. Moore ◽  
A. Wade Smith

The differential course-work hypothesis posits that intergroup differences in mathematics aptitude result from differences between groups in both the extent and type of in-school exposure to mathematics and to related quantitatively oriented courses. Differential course-work effects on gender differences in mathematics aptitude are ambiguous, and research on racial differences is limited. This article examines the extent of the reduction in sex and race differences in mathematics competence when accounting for course-work in high school. The findings indicate that the previously more-researched sex differences in mathematics competence may or may not be significantly reduced when course work is controlled, depending on which component of mathematics competence is measured. However, racial differences in all components of mathematics competence are significantly reduced when racial differences in exposure to relevant high school course work are taken into account. These findings imply that simply increasing the exposure of females to math-related high school courses may not be sufficient to reduce sex differences in all aspects of mathematics aptitude. However, standardizing the math (and related) curricula of blacks to that of whites could potentially improve all aspects of black students' mathematics performance.

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 629-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Braboy Jackson ◽  
Sibyl Kleiner ◽  
Claudia Geist ◽  
Kara Cebulko

Dating rituals include dating—courtship methods that are regularly enacted. This study explores gender and race differences in the relative importance placed on certain symbolic activities previously identified by the dating literature as constituting such rituals. Using information collected from a racially diverse sample of college students ( N = 680), it is found that some traditional gender differences persist, but that these are also cross-cut by racial contrasts. Men, overall, place more emphasis on gifting, as well as sexual activity. Gender differences, however, are significantly greater among African Americans as compared with Whites in the sample studied. African American respondents are also significantly more likely than White respondents to associate meeting the family with a more serious dating relationship. The findings highlight the need for greater efforts to uncover and account for racial differences in dating, relationships, and courtship.


1977 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley S. Angrist ◽  
Richard Mickelsen ◽  
Anthony N. Penna

1976 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 655-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
George W. Kelling ◽  
Rhea Zirkes ◽  
Deena Myerowitz

Advisers are expected to be cautious. Typical instructions in research on risky shift induce the adviser role. However, subjects may take the role of the story's hero when they can identify with the hero. It is acceptable for people to be daring when acting for themselves. This hypothesis of a switch of set predicts that subjects should consider themselves more risky than the majority of their peers, a way of expressing the value of risk, when they are similar to the story's hero. High school students rated themselves and the majority on stories dealing with situations common to their age group and on stories dealing with adult problems. Sex of hero was also manipulated. Results supported the hypothesis of a switch of set. Subjects displaced themselves more when the situation was similar to those they might face; in addition, subjects displaced themselves more when the story's hero was of their sex. No sex differences in general tendency to risky displacement were found.


2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldert Vrij ◽  
Emma Kirby

Astudy is reported investigating gender differences in judging the behaviour of males and females during mixed-dyad conversations and the impact of the endorsement of rape myths in explaining these gender differences. A total of 51 males and 40 females watched a videotape of a male actor and female actor verbally interacting in a social environment and were asked to give their impression about this interaction. They were also requested to fill in the Rape Myths Acceptance Scale (1980). Results revealed that compared to females, males had a stronger tendency to see the interaction in sexual terms. Also, male participants endorsed rape myths more strongly. Finally, gender differences in rape myth endorsements accounted for gender differences in perceiving male-female mixed-dyad interactions to alimited extent. Implications of the findings are discussed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Petronella Croisant ◽  
Tabassum Haque Laz ◽  
Mahbubur Rahman ◽  
Abbey B. Berenson

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