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International and US citizen women: A comparison of motivations for entering graduate computing programs

J. McGrath Cohoon (University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA)
Zhen Wu (University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA)
Wenyi You (University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA)

Equal Opportunities International

ISSN: 0261-0159

Article publication date: 1 December 2006

568

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine a subset of survey data collected through the Computing Research Association's Graduate Cohort Program to see how well theoretical and empirical factors fit with the actual motivations of women graduate students from different cultural backgrounds.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses from international and US women participants in a support program for CSE graduate women in the USA are compared.

Findings

These analyses indicate that US and international women are similar in what drew them to graduate computing programs. It was chiefly their interest in and enjoyment of computing. They differ in the attraction of particular career features, influence of peers, and belief in the value of competition among graduate students.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the extent to which these data permit thorough testing of theoretical models, and by lack of comparison with men in computing or women who chose not to enter a graduate computing program.

Practical implications

The similarities and differences between international and US women in CSE suggest ways to improve the gender balance in this field.

Originality/value

This study provides unique insight into an understudied population.

Keywords

Citation

McGrath Cohoon, J., Wu, Z. and You, W. (2006), "International and US citizen women: A comparison of motivations for entering graduate computing programs", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 629-641. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150610719100

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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