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2017 K-12 STEM Education Survey Results

The document is a survey questionnaire and topline from the Pew Research Center about STEM education in the United States. Some key findings: - 28% of respondents said STEM subjects should be emphasized more in K-12 schools. - 45% of respondents in a 2013 survey said math/science should be emphasized more. - 42% said the US has an average K-12 public education system compared to other developed nations. - Pluralities saw lack of student interest, outdated curriculum, and emphasis on standards as big problems in STEM education.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views35 pages

2017 K-12 STEM Education Survey Results

The document is a survey questionnaire and topline from the Pew Research Center about STEM education in the United States. Some key findings: - 28% of respondents said STEM subjects should be emphasized more in K-12 schools. - 45% of respondents in a 2013 survey said math/science should be emphasized more. - 42% said the US has an average K-12 public education system compared to other developed nations. - Pluralities saw lack of student interest, outdated curriculum, and emphasis on standards as big problems in STEM education.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

124

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

Survey questionnaire and topline


2017 STEM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
JULY 11-AUG. 10, 2017
N=4,914
ASK ALL:
SCH1 Thinking about what's being taught in the K to 12 public schools these days, what ONE subject
should schools emphasize more than they do now? [OPEN-END]

Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
Responses coded into the following categories:
19 English/Grammar/Writing/Reading
18 Math/Statistics
History/Social Studies/Civics/Politics/Current
12
events/Engineering
9 Science/Engineering
7 Economics/Finances
6 Life skills/Home economics
4 Manner/Respect/Anti-bullying/Social skills
3 Computers/Computer science
3 Art/Arts/Music
3 Physical education/Health/Sex education/Abstinence
2 Critical thinking/Logic
1 Foreign Languages
1 Religion/Christianity/Bible/Prayer/Creationism
1 Nothing
<1 Everything
12 Don’t know/Not answer

28 (NET) STEM subjects

[Link]
125

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


Pew Research Center/Smithsonian Magazine survey conducted by telephone: Thinking about what’s
being taught in kindergarten-through-12th-grade schools these days, what ONE subject should schools
emphasize more than they do now? [OPEN END. ACCEPT ONLY ONE RESPONSE. USE PRECODED
LIST IF RESPONSE CLEARLY FITS. OTHERWISE RECORD OPEN-END RESPONSE. PROBE FOR
CLARITY – DO NOT PROBE FOR ADDITIONAL MENTIONS.]

March 7-10
2013
Math/Mathematics/Arithmetic 30
English/Grammar/Writing/Reading 19
Science 11
History/Social studies/Civics/Politics/Current
10
events/Government
Art/Arts/Music 6
Computers/Computer science 4
Physical education/Health/Sex education/Abstinence 2
Religion/Christianity/Bible/Prayer/Creationism 2
Economics/Finances 2
Foreign Languages 1
Manner/Respect/Anti-bullying 1
Other 3
Don’t know/No answer 7

(NET) STEM subjects 45

[Link]
126
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK ALL:
SCH2 Overall, how much would you say you know about the K to 12 public schools…

a. In your local community

23 A lot
56 A little
20 Nothing at all
<1 No answer

b. In the U.S. as a whole

11 A lot
68 A little
20 Nothing at all
1 No answer

ASK ALL:
SCH3 How would you rate the K to 12 public schools in your local community in the following areas?
[RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

a. In providing the knowledge and skills needed for pursuing a four-year college degree

12 Excellent
47 Good
31 Only fair
7 Poor
3 No answer

b. In teaching reading, writing and mathematics

11 Excellent
51 Good
31 Only fair
6 Poor
2 No answer

c. In providing the knowledge and skills needed for pursuing a vocational or technical career

8 Excellent
44 Good
36 Only fair
9 Poor
3 No answer

[Link]
127

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

SCH3 continued…

a. In teaching critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

7 Excellent
41 Good
38 Only fair
11 Poor
2 No answer

ASK ALL:
SCH4 Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the following
area... education in K to 12 public schools?

3 The U.S. is the best in the world


23 The U.S. is above average
42 The U.S. is average
31 The U.S. is below average
1 No answer

RANDOMLY ASSIGN HALF OF RESPONDENTS ITEMS IN ORDER a-c AND OTHER HALF ITEMS IN
ORDER c-a
ASK ALL:
SCH5 a. Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the
following area…education in science, technology, engineering and math in K to 12 public schools?

3 The U.S. is the best in the world


22 The U.S. is above average
43 The U.S. is average
30 The U.S. is below average
2 No answer

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


Pew Research Center survey conducted by telephone: We’d like you to compare the United
States to other industrialized countries in a few different areas … Do you think the U.S. is the
BEST IN THE WORLD, above average, average or below average in science, technology,
engineering and math education for grades K to 12 compared to other industrialized countries?

Aug 15-25
2014
Best in the world 7
Above average 22
Average 39
Below average 29
Don’t know/Refused (VOL.) 3

[Link]
128
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

b. Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the
following area…undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering and math in
colleges and universities?

6 The U.S. is the best in the world


29 The U.S. is above average
46 The U.S. is average
17 The U.S. is below average
2 No answer

c. Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the following
area…graduate education in science, technology, engineering and math in universities?

9 The U.S. is the best in the world


29 The U.S. is above average
43 The U.S. is average
17 The U.S. is below average
2 No answer

ASK ALL:
SCH6 Thinking about science, technology, engineering and math education in the nation’s K to 12
public schools these days, do you think each of the following is a big problem, a small problem or
not a problem? [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

A big A small Not a No


problem problem problem answer
a. Too little time is spent on these subjects
48 39 11 2
in elementary school

b. Teachers do not have curriculum


materials that are up-to-date with the 48 37 13 2
newest developments in these subjects

c. Students lack interest in learning about


57 33 8 2
these subjects

d. Too much emphasis is given to meeting


55 32 11 2
state standards in these subjects

e. Teachers do not emphasize the practical


53 38 7 2
uses of these subjects for everyday life

f. Parents are not involved in supporting


61 31 6 2
school education in these subjects

g. Students are not willing to work hard to


59 32 7 2
excel in these subjects

h. Teachers rarely use methods that help


students think critically and problem- 49 40 9 2
solve in these subjects

[Link]
129

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK ALL:
SCH7 What's the main reason many young people don't pursue college degrees in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics? Is it mostly because… [RANDOMIZE; “some other reason”
always last]

July 11-
Aug 10
2017
52 They think these subjects are too hard
12 They think these subjects are too boring
23 They think these subjects are not useful for their careers
12 Some other reason (please specify) [OPEN END]
2 No answer

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


Pew Research Center/Smithsonian Magazine survey conducted by telephone: What’s the main
reason many young people don’t pursue degrees in math and science? Is it mostly because they
think these subjects…. [READ AND RANDOMIZE]

March 7-10
2013
Are too hard 46
Are too boring 20
Are not useful for their careers 22
Other (VOLUNTEERED) 7
Don’t know/Refused (VOLUNTEERED) 4

ASK ALL:
SCH8 Thinking back to your own experiences in grades K to 12, did you generally like or dislike…
[RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

a. Science classes

75 Liked
25 Disliked
1 No answer

b. Math classes

58 Liked
42 Disliked
<1 No answer

ASK IF SCH8A=1:
SCH9A Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally liked SCIENCE CLASSES?

Based on those who liked science classes [N=3,932]


31 I liked the way science classes were taught
68 I liked the subject matter of the science classes
1 No answer

[Link]
130
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF SCH8A=2:
SCH9A Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally disliked SCIENCE CLASSES?

Based on those who disliked science classes [N=963]


36 I disliked the way science classes were taught
61 I disliked the subject matter of the science classes
3 No answer

ASK IF SCH8B=1:
SCH9B Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally liked MATH CLASSES?

Based on those who liked math classes [N=3,117]


38 I liked the way math classes were taught
61 I liked the subject matter of the math classes
1 No answer

ASK IF SCH8B=2:
SCH9B Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally disliked MATH CLASSES?

Based on those who disliked math classes [N=1,788]


40 I disliked the way math classes were taught
59 I disliked the subject matter of the math classes
1 No answer

ASK IF LIKED SCIENCE CLASSES (SCH8A=1):


SCH10A Thinking back to your own experiences in grades K to 12 which of these, if any, describe
reasons you generally liked SCIENCE CLASSES?

Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of these always last]

Based on those who liked science classes [N= 3,932]


Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. I found science classes easy 31 69
b. It was easy to see how science would be useful
40 60
for the future
c. I felt that I belonged in science classes 25 75
d. I liked the labs and hands-on learning
70 30
experiences
e. I had a lot of support at home or after school to
15 85
help me do well in these classes
f. None of these 6 94

[Link]
131

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF DISLIKED SCIENCE CLASSES (SCH8A=2):


SCH10B Thinking back to your own experiences in grades K to 12, which of these, if any, describe
reasons you generally disliked SCIENCE CLASSES?

Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of these always last]

Based on those who disliked science classes [N=963]


Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. I found science classes hard 46 54
b. It was not easy to see how science would be
36 64
useful for the future
c. I felt that I didn’t belong in science classes 24 76
d. I didn’t like the labs and hands-on learning
18 82
experiences
e. I didn’t have enough support at home or after
17 83
school to do well in these classes
f. None of these 15 85

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1)


JOBVALU1 Thinking about your own work experiences…
Which of these things, if any, is important to you personally when choosing a job?

Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of the above always last]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. Having a high-paying job 46 54
b. Having flexibility to balance work and family
68 32
needs
c. Having opportunities for promotion or
53 47
advancement
d. Making a meaningful contribution to society 38 62
e. Having a job that others respect and value 39 61
f. Having a job that focuses on helping others 35 65
g. Being in a workplace that is welcoming for
46 54
people like me
h. None of the above 5 95

[Link]
132
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

COMBINED RESPONSES JOBVALU1 AND JOBVALU2


JOBVALU1 Thinking about your own work experiences…
Which of these things, if any, is important to you personally when choosing a job?
Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of the above always last]
ASK IF MORE THAN ONE ITEM SELECTED ON JOBVALU1:
JOBVALU2 And, which of these things is MOST important to you personally when choosing a job?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


Most important Important
NET (JOBVALU2) (JOBVALU1)/Not Not
Important /Selected alone most important selected/
(JOBVALU1) (JOBVALU1) (JOBVALU2) No answer
a. Having a high-paying job 46 16 30 54
b. Having flexibility to balance
68 38 30 32
work and family needs
c. Having opportunities for
53 14 39 47
promotion or advancement
d. Making a meaningful
38 9 30 62
contribution to society
e. Having a job that others
39 5 35 61
respect and value
f. Having a job that focuses
35 8 27 65
on helping others
g. Being in a workplace that is
welcoming for people like 46 6 40 54
me
h. None of the above 5 95

[Link]
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ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


AHEAD Thinking about the kind of work you do, would you say each of the following helps, hurts, or
makes little difference for your chances of getting ahead in your job? [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


Helps my Hurts my
chances of chances of
getting getting Makes
ahead in my ahead in my little No
job job difference answer
a. Being assertive 60 10 29 1

b. Participating in informal social


29 5 65 1
activities with my coworkers

c. Speaking out about problems I


34 22 43 1
see in the workplace

d. Having a workplace mentor to


59 3 37 1
advise me

e. Talking about my personal life


8 28 63 1
at work

f. Working harder than others 65 3 31 1

g. Being vocal about my work and


35 13 52 1
accomplishments

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


TALENT For the kind of work that you do, how important, if at all, would you say having a natural
ability is or has been for you, personally, to get ahead in your job?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


38 Very important
45 Somewhat important
12 Not too important
5 Not at all important
1 No answer

[Link]
134
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF WORKING BUT NOT SELF-EMPLOYED (WORK_1=1 OR WORK_2=1):


PROVE How often, if ever, do you feel the need to prove yourself at work in order to be respected by
your coworkers?

Among those Among


asked all employed
N=4,246 N=4,702
18 All the time 17
37 Some of the time 33
31 Not too often 28
14 Never 13
1 No answer 1
Not asked 9

RANDOMIZE AND RECORD ORDER OF RESPECTA AND RESPECTB


ASK IF WORKING BUT NOT SELF-EMPLOYED (WORK_1=1 OR WORK_2=1):
RESPECTA How much would you say that your contributions at work are valued by your
SUPERVISOR?

Among those Among all


asked employed
N=4,246 N=4,702
42 A lot 38
40 Some 37
12 Not too much 11
5 Not at all 5
<1 No answer <1
Not asked 9

ASK IF WORKING BUT NOT SELF-EMPLOYED (WORK_1=1 OR WORK_2=1):


RESPECTB How much would you say that your contributions at work are valued by your
COWORKERS?

Among those Among all


asked employed
N=4,246 N=4,702
37 A lot 33
45 Some 41
13 Not too much 12
4 Not at all 4
1 No answer 1
Not asked 9

[Link]
135

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK ALL:
FAMSTEM1 Do you have any close family members who work or have worked in a job or career that
involves science, technology, engineering or math?

45 Yes
55 No
<1 No answer

ASK ALL:
FAMSTEM1 Do you have any close family members who work or have worked in a job or career that
involves science, technology, engineering or math?
FAMSTEM2 These close family members who work or have worked in a job or career that involves
science, technology, engineering or math are…

45 Yes
24 Older family member working in STEM
21 No older family member working in STEM
1 No answer
55 No family members working in STEM
<1 No answer

ASK IF NON-STEM WORKER (WORKTYPE_FINAL=2):


INTEREST1 Were you, personally, ever interested in pursuing a job or career that involves science,
technology, engineering or math?

Based on non-STEM workers [N=2,354]


16 Yes, I was very interested
24 Yes, I was somewhat interested
21 No, I was not too interested
27 No, I was not at all interested
My job or career currently involves science, technology, engineering or
9
math
<1 No answer

[Link]
136
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF SOMEWHAT OR VERY INTERESTED (INTEREST1=1,2):


INTEREST2 When were you [IF INTEREST1=1:very; IF INTEREST1=2:somewhat] interested in
pursuing a job or career that involves science, technology, engineering or math? [Enter
your age at the time. If you don’t recall a specific age, describe the time period in your
life.] [OPEN-END]

Based on those who were very or somewhat interested in pursuing a STEM job
[N=849]

Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
10 Childhood/elementary school
28 Teenage years/high school
41 20s/College
5 Age 30 and older
1 Always interested
1 Currently or previously in STEM career
1 Never interested in STEM career
6 Can’t classify
8 Don’t know/Don’t remember/No answer

[Link]
137

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF SOMEWHAT OR VERY INTERESTED (INTEREST1=1,2):


INTEREST3 What’s the main reason you did not pursue a job or career that involves science,
technology, engineering or math? [OPEN-END]

Based on those who were very or somewhat interested in pursuing a STEM job
[N=849]

Jul 11 – Aug
10
2017
27 Cost and time barriers NET
15 Too expensive
6 Not enough education
4 Lack of access to resources and opportunities
3 Too large of a time commitment
2 Too much work/Too many classes to take
20 Ended up on a different path NET
7 Found another interest/passion
6 Got or already had a job in another field
5 Chose to pursue a different career
2 Not encouraged to pursue these subjects/careers
14 Specific problems with subject NET
4 Didn’t do well in STEM classes
4 Classes seemed too difficult
3 Lost interest in the subject
3 Specific class turned them off
1 Didn’t study; was too lazy
<1 Didn’t know how to get into a career in STEM
<1 Thought these subjects were too specific/too narrow
<1 Didn’t have a STEM degree
<1 Didn’t see how STEM subjects would be applicable
11 Personal circumstances/family NET
6 Starting or was already taking care of family
3 Other personal circumstances
2 Disability/Illness
7 Problems with STEM jobs and careers themselves NET
4 Lack of jobs/Too much competition
2 These jobs don’t pay well enough
1 Didn’t like perceived work environment
1 Issues because of gender
9 Did pursue STEM job/changed jobs
4 Currently pursuing STEM job/might pursue STEM job in
future
4 Other
13 Don’t know/No answer

[Link]
138
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK ALL:
STEMJOB Compared with jobs in other industries, would you say… [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

a. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

71 Offer higher pay than jobs in other industries


7 Offer lower pay than jobs in other industries
20 Offer similar pay to jobs in other industries
2 No answer

b. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

50 Offer more opportunities for advancement than jobs in other industries


12 Offer fewer opportunities for advancement than jobs in other industries
36 Offer about the same number of opportunities for advancement as jobs
in other industries
2 No answer

c. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

18 Have more flexibility to balance work and family needs than jobs in
other industries
28 Have less flexibility to balance work and family needs than jobs in other
industries
52 Have about the same amount of flexibility to balance work and family
needs as jobs in other industries
2 No answer

d. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

45 Make a more meaningful contribution to society than jobs in other


industries
5 Make a less meaningful contribution to society than jobs in other
industries
48 Make a about the same contribution to society as jobs in other
industries
2 No answer

e. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

53 Are more well-respected than jobs in other industries


9 Are less well-respected than jobs in other industries
36 Are respected about the same as jobs in other industries
2 No answer

[Link]
139

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

STEMJOB continued…

f. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

28 Are more focused on helping others than jobs in other industries


16 Are less focused on helping others than jobs in other industries
54 Are focused about the same amount on helping others as jobs in other
industries
2 No answer

g. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

58 Attract more of the brightest and most qualified young people than
jobs in other industries
13 Attract fewer of the brightest and most qualified young people than
jobs in other industries
27 Attract about the same number of the brightest and most qualified
young people as jobs in other industries
2 No answer

h. Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math…

49 Are more difficult to get into than jobs in other industries


14 Are less difficult to get into than jobs in other industries
35 Are similarly difficult to get into as jobs in other industries
2 No answer

CREATE DOV_FORM [S]


Randomly assign half of respondents into FORM=1 and the other half into FORM=2
IF FORM=1, show REASON1 first then REASON2. IF FORM=2, show REASON2 first then
REASON1.

ASK ALL:
REASON1 As you may know, women are underrepresented in some science, technology,
engineering and math jobs in this country.

For each of the following, please indicate whether you think it is a major reason, a minor
reason or not a reason why there are not more women working in science, technology,
engineering and math jobs. [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

a. From an early age, girls are not encouraged to pursue these subjects in school

39 A major reason
31 A minor reason
28 Not a reason
2 No answer

[Link]
140
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REASON1 continued…

a. Women are less likely than men to believe that they can succeed in these fields

23 A major reason
34 A minor reason
41 Not a reason
2 No answer

b. Women do not pursue these jobs because there are so few female role models in these fields

24 A major reason
36 A minor reason
37 Not a reason
2 No answer

c. Women face discrimination in the recruitment process, hiring and promotions

39 A major reason
29 A minor reason
29 Not a reason
2 No answer

d. More women are being trained in science, technology, engineering and math than before,
but it takes time and the process is slow

27 A major reason
38 A minor reason
33 Not a reason
2 No answer

e. Women are just less interested in science, technology, engineering and math than men

18 A major reason
32 A minor reason
47 Not a reason
3 No answer

f. It is more difficult to build a career while balancing work and family responsibilities in
science, technology, engineering and math jobs than jobs in other industries

33 A major reason
36 A minor reason
28 Not a reason
2 No answer

[Link]
141

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK ALL:
REASON2 As you may know, blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented in science, technology,
engineering and math jobs in this country.

For each of the following, please indicate whether you think it is a major reason, a minor
reason or not a reason why there are not more blacks and Hispanics working in science,
technology, engineering and math jobs. [SHOW IN SAME ORDER AS REASON1]

a. From an early age, blacks and Hispanics are not encouraged to pursue these subjects in
school

41 A major reason
25 A minor reason
32 Not a reason
2 No answer

b. Blacks and Hispanics are less likely than others to believe that they can succeed in these
fields

33 A major reason
31 A minor reason
34 Not a reason
2 No answer

c. Blacks and Hispanics do not pursue these jobs because there are so few black and Hispanic
role models in these fields

27 A major reason
33 A minor reason
37 Not a reason
3 No answer

d. Blacks and Hispanics face discrimination in the recruitment process, hiring and promotions

31 A major reason
29 A minor reason
38 Not a reason
3 No answer

e. More blacks and Hispanics are being trained in science, technology, engineering and math
than before, but it takes time and the process is slow

22 A major reason
38 A minor reason
36 Not a reason
3 No answer

[Link]
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REASON2 continued…

a. Blacks and Hispanics are just less interested in science, technology, engineering and math
than others

22 A major reason
26 A minor reason
49 Not a reason
3 No answer

b. Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to have access to quality education to prepare them for
these fields than others

42 A major reason
26 A minor reason
30 Not a reason
3 No answer

QUESTIONS TECH1-TECH6 PREVIOUSLY RELEASED, see “Women are concerned about gender
discrimination in tech industry,” question wording and topline is available here.

IF FORM=1, show GEND1-6 first. IF FORM=2, show ETHN1-6 first

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


Thinking about your own workplace…

GEND1 What is the balance of men and women in your workplace? [RANDOMIZE ORDER OF 1
AND 2]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


32 There are more men
33 There are more women
34 There is an even mix of men and women
1 No answer

[Link]
143

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


GEND2 How would you say your workplace treats women when it comes to the recruitment and
hiring process?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


72 Usually treated fairly in the recruitment and hiring process
21 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
5 Usually treated unfairly in the recruitment and hiring process
2 No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


GEND3 How would you say your workplace treats women when it comes to opportunities for
promotion and advancement?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


64 Usually treated fairly in opportunities for promotion and advancement
27 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
Usually treated unfairly in opportunities for promotion and
7
advancement
2 No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


GEND4 Would you say your workplace pays too much, too little or about the right amount of
attention to increasing gender diversity?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


9 Too much attention
21 Too little attention
68 About the right amount of attention
2 No answer

ASK ALL:
GEND5 How important would you say it is to have gender diversity in workplaces today?

25 Extremely important
27 Very important
26 Somewhat important
10 Not too important
11 Not at all important
1 No answer

[Link]
144
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF DIVERSITY IS EXTREMELY/VERY/SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT (GEND5=1-3):


GEND6 Which of these, if any, do you consider important reasons to increase gender diversity in the
workplace?

Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; item d always last]

Based on those saying gender diversity is “extremely, very or somewhat important”


[N=3,920]
Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. Gender diversity in the workplace gives people
55 45
an equal opportunity to succeed
b. Gender diversity provides other perspectives
that contribute to the overall success of 59 41
companies and organizations
c. Gender diversity makes good business sense
because it increases the supply of potential 42 58
workers
d. None of these 10 90

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


ETHN1 Which of these best describes your workplace? [SHOW IN SAME ORDER AS GEND1]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


33 Most people are the same race and ethnicity as I am
14 Most people are a different race or ethnicity than I am
52 There is a mix of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds
1 No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


ETHN2 How would you say your workplace treats people in each of the following groups when it
comes to the recruitment and hiring process? [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

a. Whites

Based on employed [N=4,702]


81 Usually treated fairly in the recruitment and hiring process
14 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
3 Usually treated unfairly in the recruitment and hiring process
3 No answer

b. Blacks

Based on employed [N=4,702]


65 Usually treated fairly in the recruitment and hiring process
25 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
8 Usually treated unfairly in the recruitment and hiring process
3 No answer

[Link]
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ETHN2 continued…

c. Hispanics

Based on employed [N=4,702]


65 Usually treated fairly in the recruitment and hiring process
25 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
7 Usually treated unfairly in the recruitment and hiring process
3 No answer

d. Asian Americans

Based on employed [N=4,702]


71 Usually treated fairly in the recruitment and hiring process
22 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
4 Usually treated unfairly in the recruitment and hiring process
3 No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


ETHN3 How would you say your workplace treats people in each of the following groups when it
comes to opportunities for promotion and advancement? [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]

a. Whites

Based on employed [N=4,702]


78 Usually treated fairly in opportunities for promotion and advancement
16 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
3 Usually treated unfairly in opportunities for promotion and
advancement
3 No answer

b. Blacks

Based on employed [N=4,702]


63 Usually treated fairly in opportunities for promotion and advancement
26 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
8 Usually treated unfairly in opportunities for promotion and
advancement
3 No answer

c. Hispanics

Based on employed [N=4,702]


63 Usually treated fairly in opportunities for promotion and advancement
27 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
7 Usually treated unfairly in opportunities for promotion and
advancement
3 No answer

[Link]
146
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ETHN3 continued…

d. Asian Americans

Based on employed [N=4,702]


68 Usually treated fairly in opportunities for promotion and advancement
24 Sometimes treated fairly and sometimes treated unfairly
4 Usually treated unfairly in opportunities for promotion and
advancement
3 No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


ETHN4 Would you say your workplace pays too much, too little or about the right amount of
attention to increasing racial and ethnic diversity?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


11 Too much attention
22 Too little attention
65 About the right amount of attention
2 No answer

ASK ALL:
ETHN5 How important would you say it is to have racial and ethnic diversity in workplaces today?

26 Extremely important
27 Very important
27 Somewhat important
9 Not too important
9 Not at all important
2 No answer

ASK IF DIVERSITY IS EXTREMELY/VERY/SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT (GEND5=1-3):


ETHN6 Which of these, if any, do you consider important reasons to increase racial and ethnic
diversity in the workplace?

Select all answers that apply [SHOW IN SAME ORDER AS GEND6]

Based on those saying racial and ethnic diversity is “extremely, very or somewhat
important” [N=4,014]
Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. Racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace
56 44
gives people an equal opportunity to succeed
b. Racial and ethnic diversity provides other
perspectives that contribute to the overall 56 44
success of companies and organizations
c. Racial and ethnic diversity makes good
business sense because it increases the supply 42 58
of potential workers

[Link]
147

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

IF DOV_FORM=1, show GENDJOB1-GENDJOB2 first; IF DOV_FORM=2 show ETHNJOB1


ENTHNJOB2 first
ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):
GENDJOB1 Overall, which of these best describes your experience? [RANDOMIZE ORDER OF
ITEMS 1 AND 2]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


13 My gender has made it harder for me to succeed in my job
17 My gender has made it easier for me to succeed in my job
68 My gender has not made much difference in my job
2 No answer

IF STEM WORKER AND GENDER MADE IT HARDER TO SUCCEED (WORKTYPE_FINAL=1 AND


GENDJOB1=1)
GENDJOB2 Why do you think that your gender has made it harder to succeed in your job? [OPEN-
END]

Based on STEM workers who say their gender has made it harder to succeed in their
job [N=298]:
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
22 Hiring, promotion and salary barriers NET
10 Promoted less often than men
7 Most leadership positions are held by men
3 More likely to get turned down for a job
1 Passed over for opportunities
1 Paid less
<1 Guided into certain professions
19 Treatment by coworkers NET
13 Automatically assumed to be less competent
3 Criticized for not meeting gender behavior expectations
2 Assumed to do less important tasks
2 Experience general slights
<1 Others associate them with negative stereotypes
14 Need to work harder than others NET
7 Feel need to constantly prove themselves
Have to work harder than others/Held to different
5
standards
3 Ideas are ignored until someone else states them
13 Affected by reverse discrimination NET
7 Both reverse gender and racial discrimination
6 Reverse gender discrimination
13 Unwelcoming workplace environment NET
7 Feeling of being the only female in the workplace
6 “Boys club” among male coworkers
2 Harassment
12 General bias against women
11 Problems with balancing work and family NET
Others expect they cannot have family responsibilities
10
and work
1 Hard to balance expected family responsibilities
<1 Inadequate leave/childcare policies
8 Other
7 Don’t know/No answer

[Link]
148
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


ETHNJOB1 Overall, which of these best describes your experience? [SHOW IN SAME ORDER AS
GENDJOB1]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


13 My race or ethnicity has made it harder for me to succeed in my job
15 My race or ethnicity has made it easier for me to succeed in my job
70 My race or ethnicity has not made much difference in my job
2 No answer

IF STEM WORKER AND RACE OR ETHNICITY MADE IT HARDER TO SUCCEED


(WORKTYPE_FINAL=1 AND ETHNJOB1=1)
ETHNJOB2 Why do you think that your race or ethnicity has made it harder to succeed in your job?
[OPEN-END]

Based on STEM workers who say their race or ethnicity has made it harder to succeed
in their job [N=216]:
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
19 Treatment by coworkers NET
9 Automatically assumed to be less competent
8 Others associate them with negative stereotypes
2 Criticized for not meeting racial behavior expectations
1 Assumed to do less important tasks
1 Experience general slights
19 Affected by reverse discrimination NET
10 Both reverse gender and racial discrimination
8 Reverse racial discrimination
1 Reverse gender discrimination
14 General bias against minorities
12 Hiring, promotion and salary barriers NET
5 Promoted less often than whites
4 Passed over for opportunities
2 Most leadership positions are held by whites
1 More likely to get turned down for a job
<1 Paid less
9 Unwelcoming workplace environment NET
7 Feeling of being the only minority in the workplace
2 Excluded from the “club”
<1 Uncomfortable workplace/don’t fit in
9 Need to work harder than others NET
Have to work harder than others/Held to different
6
standards
4 Feel need to constantly prove themselves
1 Ideas are ignored until someone else says them
4 Bias because not from the U.S.
10 Other
8 Don’t know/No answer

[Link]
149

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF EMPLOYED (WORKTYPE_FINAL=1) AND BLACK MAN (PPGENDER=1 AND PPETHM=2)


OR EMPLOYED (WORKTYPE_FINAL=1) AND BLACK WOMAN (PPGENDER=2 AND PPETHM=2)
OR EMPLOYED (WORKTYPE_FINAL=1) AND HISPANIC MAN (PPGENDER=1 AND PPETHM=4)
OR EMPLOYED (WORKTYPE_FINAL=1) AND HISPANIC MAN (PPGENDER=2 AND PPETHM=4)
OR EMPLOYED (WORKTYPE_FINAL=1) AND ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN (PPGENDER=2 AND
(PPETHM=3 AND XRACEM=4))
CHANGE In your view, what would be the most effect way to attract more [IF PPGENDER=1
AND PPETHM2: black men; IF PPGENDER=1 AND PPETHM=4: Hispanic men; IF
PPGENDER=2 AND PPETHM=2: black women; IF PPGENDER=2 AND PPETHM=4:
Hispanic women; IF PPGENDER=4 AND XRACEM=4 AND PPETHM=3: Asian
American women] to jobs in science, technology, engineering and math? [OPEN END]

Based on STEM workers who are black men, Hispanic men, black women, Hispanic
women or Asian American women [N=1,323]
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
37 Change aspects of schooling and education NET
16 Start teaching these subjects to children early
7 Increase scholarship/recruitment efforts
6 Improve education quality
Educate students on opportunities and career paths in
6
these fields
3 Provide fun, interactive, hands-on experiences
Provide more internships and career opportunities
2
throughout education
2 Make science accessible/applicable
<1 Teach in all-girls setting
23 Change the job or work environment NET
9 Increase pay
8 Increase work-life balance
Promote and provide more opportunities for women
6
and minorities
2 Increase overall fair and equal treatment
2 Reduce workplace discrimination/harassment
23 Provide encouragement and role models NET
12 Provide visible role models/mentors
Provide confidence/Make sure girls and minorities know
5
they can do anything
4 Encourage them to enjoy science
2 Increase encouragement from home and parents
Have science camps, after school programs, STEM
1
clubs
1 Increase representation in field
4 Change the culture of science and science careers NET
2 Better marketing for science and science careers
1 Changing images of STEM workers on TV and in media
2 This isn’t about gender or race
3 Other
9 Don’t know/No answer

[Link]
150
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

IF DOV_FORM=1 ask GENDDISC first; IF DOV_FORM=2 ask ETHNDISC first


ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):
GENDDISC Here are a few things that some people have experienced in their workplace because of
their gender.

Which, if any, of the following has ever happened to you?

Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; item i always last]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. Been denied a promotion because of your
6 94
gender
b. Earned less than a [IF PPGENDER=1:woman;
IF PPGENDER=2: man] who was doing the 15 85
same job
c. Been turned down for a job because of your
5 95
gender
d. Felt isolated in your workplace because of your
7 93
gender
e. Received less support from senior leaders than
a [IF PPGENDER=1:woman; IF
11 89
PPGENDER=2: man] who was doing the same
job
f. Had someone treat you as if you were not
14 86
competent because of your gender
g. Been passed over for the most important
7 93
assignments because of your gender
h. Experienced repeated, small slights at work
11 89
because of your gender
i. None of these 67 33

Trends for comparisons on items a, b and c reported in December 2013: “On Pay Gap, Millennial
Women Near Parity – For Now

[Link]
151

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ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


ETHNDISC Here are a few things that some people have experienced in their workplace because of
their race or ethnicity.

Which, if any, of the following has ever happened to you?

Select all answers that apply [SHOW IN SAME ORDER AS GENDDISC]

Based on employed [N=4,702]


Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. Been denied a promotion because of your race
5 95
or ethnicity
b. Earned less than a coworker who was doing the
8 92
same job because of your race or ethnicity
c. Been turned down for a job because of your
7 93
race or ethnicity
d. Felt isolated in your workplace because of your
8 92
race or ethnicity
e. Received less support from senior leaders than
another worker who was doing the same job 7 93
because of your race or ethnicity
f. Had someone treat you as if you were not
10 90
competent because of your race or ethnicity
g. Been passed over for the most important
7 93
assignments because of your race or ethnicity
h. Experienced repeated, small slights at work
9 91
because of your race or ethnicity
i. None of these 73 27

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


HARASS1 As far as you know, would you say sexual harassment is a big problem, a small problem
or not a problem in your workplace?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


10 Big problem
25 Small problem
64 Not a problem
1 No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


HARASS2 Overall, would you say sexual harassment is a big problem, a small problem or not a
problem in jobs in the industry where you work?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


12 Big problem
35 Small problem
51 Not a problem
2 No answer

[Link]
152
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF EMPLOYED (DOV_EMPLOYED=1):


HARASS3 Have you ever personally experienced sexual harassment at work, or have you not
experienced this?

Based on employed [N=4,702]


14 Yes, I have experienced sexual harassment at work
85 No, I have not experienced sexual harassment at work
1 No answer

ASK ALL:
VOTECH Just a few more questions about your background and experiences…

Have you completed any vocational or technical training, certificate or apprenticeship?

All U.S. adults College degree Some college or


or more less
Yes 33 28 35
No 66 70 63
No answer 2 2 1

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


Pew Research Center survey conducted by telephone: Have you completed any vocational or
technical training, certificate or apprenticeship?
Based on/Asked of those with some college or less education [N=2,240]
May 25-
Jun 29
2016
Yes 38
No 61
Don’t know/Refused (VOL.) <1

[Link]
153

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR MORE (PPEDUC=11-14]:


DEGREE1 What was your major field of study in college? (Please fill in as many as apply) [OPEN
END FOR UP TO TWO MAJOR FIELDS]
Based on those with an Associate Degree or more [N=3,269]
Jul 11-Aug 10
2017
29 Business NET
14 General and other business
7 Accounting
6 Business management and administration
4 Marketing and marketing research
2 Finance
1 Human Resources
20 Arts and Humanities NET
5 English/Literature/Writing
4 History
3 Art (e.g., visual arts, theater, dance, art history)
2 Communications
2 Liberal arts/Humanities/General Studies
1 Foreign language/Linguistics
1 Other arts and humanities
1 Journalism
1 Philosophy/Religion/Theology
1 Music
15 Social Sciences NET
8 Psychology/Behavioral Science
3 Political science
2 Economics
1 Sociology
1 General/Other social sciences
1 Anthropology/Archaeology
11 Health-related
10 Computers/Mathematics/Statistics NET
8 Computer and information sciences
3 Mathematics and statistics (including actuarial science)
8 Engineering and Architecture NET
7 Engineering
1 Architecture
7 Biological, Agricultural Sciences NET
7 Life sciences (e.g., biology, biochemical sciences,
zoology, plant science, ecology)
<1 Agriculture
6 Education, not specified
5 Physical and Earth Sciences NET
4 Physical science (e.g., chemistry, physics)
2 Earth science (e.g., geology, environmental sciences)
4 Non-STEM education
STEM education (e.g., math teacher education, science
<1
teacher education)
12 Other fields NET
2 Law and legal studies
2 Criminal justice/Criminology
1 Social work and counseling
1 Human development and family studies (e.g.
gerontology)

[Link]
154
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

<1 Public policy and administration


<1 Library science
6 General other
2 Not enough information
2 Don’t know/No answer

[Link]
155

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF GRADUATE DEGREE (PPEDUC=13,14]:


DEGREE2 Thinking about your most recent graduate degree, what was your degree field? [OPEN-
END TEXT BOX; SINGLE LINE]

Based on those with a graduate degree [N=1,131]


Jul 11-Aug 20
2017
25 Business NET
14 Business management and administration
3 Accounting
2 Marketing and marketing research
1 Finance
1 Human resources
3 General/Other Business
11 Health-related
7 Education, not specified
7 Engineering and Architecture NET
6 Engineering
1 Architecture
7 Non-STEM education
6 Arts and Humanities NET
2 Philosophy/Religion/Theology
1 English/Literature/Writing
1 History
1 Liberal arts/Humanities/General Studies
<1 Art (e.g., visual arts, theater, dance, art history)
<1 Journalism
<1 Music
<1 Foreign language/Linguistics
<1 Communications
<1 Other arts and humanities
4 Social Sciences NET
2 Psychology/Behavioral Science
1 Economics
<1 Sociology
<1 General/other social sciences
4 Physical and Earth Sciences NET
2 Physical science (e.g., chemistry, physics)
1 Earth science (e.g., geology, environmental sciences)
3 Computers/Mathematics/Statistics NET
2 Computer and information sciences
1 Mathematics and statistics (including actuarial science)
2 Biological, Agricultural Sciences NET
2 Life sciences (e.g., biology, biochemical sciences,
zoology, plant science, ecology)
<1 Agriculture
STEM education (e.g., math teacher education, science
1
teacher education)
<1 Science, not specified
12 Other fields NET
5 Law and legal studies
2 Public policy and administration
2 Social work and counseling
2 Library science

[Link]
156
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

<1 Criminal justice/Criminology


<1 Human development and family studies (e.g.
gerontology)
1 General other
6 Not enough information
2 Don’t know/No answer

ASK IF EMPLOYED AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR MORE (DOV_EMPLOYED=1 AND


PPEDUC=11,12,13,14]:
RELATE1 How closely related is your current job to [IF PPEDUC=11, 12:your college major(s)/
IF PPEDUC=13, 14:the field you received your graduate degree in]?

Based on employed with an Associate Degree or more [N=3,193]


46 Very closely related
24 Somewhat closely related
14 Not very closely related
16 Not at all related
1 No answer

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


Pew Research Center survey conducted by telephone: How closely related is your current job to
the field or major you received your (IF EDUC=5,6,7: college; If EDUC=8: graduate) degree in?
Based on college education or more education and currently employed [N=742]
Oct 7-27
2013
Very closely 46
Somewhat closely 19
Not very closely 10
Not at all related 25
Don’t know/Refused (VOL.) 1

ASK IF EMPLOYED AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR MORE (DOV_EMPLOYED=1 AND


PPEDUC=11,12,13,14]:
RELATE2 How often do you use skills and knowledge from your [IF PPEDUC=11,12: college
major(s); IF PPEDUC=13,14:graduate degree] in your current job?

Based on employed with an Associate Degree or more [N=3,193]


43 All the time
33 Some of the time
15 Not too often
8 Never
1 No answer

[Link]
157

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF SOME COLLEGE OR MORE (PPEDUC=10-14):


SCICOUR1 Have you ever taken any college-level science courses?

Based on those with some college or more education [N=4,015]


July 11-
Aug 10
2017
70 Yes
24 No
5 Don’t remember
1 No answer

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


General Social Survey: Have you ever taken any college-level science courses?

Based on those with some college or more education [N=802]


Apr 5-Nov 19,
2016
68 Yes
31 No
<1 Don’t know
<1 No answer

ASK IF TAKEN COLLEGE-LEVEL SCIENCE COURSES (SCICOUR1=1):


SCICOUR2 How many college-level science courses have you taken?

Based on those who have taken college-level science courses [N=3,168]


July 11-
Aug 10
2017
27 0-2 courses
20 3-5 courses
5 6-8 courses
13 9 or more courses
34 Don’t remember
1 No answer

TREND FOR COMPARISON:


General Social Survey: How many college-level science courses have you taken?

Based on those who have taken college-level science courses [N=578]


Apr 5-Nov 19,
2016
39 1-2 courses
31 3-5 courses
7 6-8 courses
17 9 or more courses
5 Don’t know
1 No answer

[Link]
158
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

ASK IF SOME COLLEGE OR MORE (PPEDUC=10-14):


MATHCOUR1 Have you ever taken any college-level math courses?

Based on those with some college or more education [N=4,015]


77 Yes
19 No
4 Don’t remember
1 No answer

ASK IF TAKEN COLLEGE-LEVEL MATH COURSES (MATHCOUR1=1):


MATHCOUR2 How many college-level math courses have you taken?

Based on those who have taken college-level math courses [N=3,302]


37 0-2 courses
24 3-5 courses
7 6-8 courses
4 9 or more courses
27 Don’t remember
<1 No answer

ASK IF SOME COLLEGE OR MORE (PPEDUC=10-14):


FIRSTCOLL Are you the first person in your immediate family to have attended college, or not?
[Immediate family includes parents and siblings.]

Based on those with some college or more education [N=4,015]


31 Yes
68 No
1 No answer

ASK IF PARENT OF CHILD UNDER 18 (XPARENT=1):


PUBLIC Do you have any children in kindergarten through 12th grade attending a public school,
or not?

Based on parent of a child under 18 [N=1,288]


72 Yes
28 No
1 No answer

[Link]

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