Self-reflection on own strengths

Notes on section 5.3 of the paper "Why do women pursue a PhD in Computer Science?"

Self-reflection on own strengths

This analysis is based on the following Likert-scale type questions:

• Q47. I have the competencies to succeed in computer science.

• Q48. I have strong programming skills.

• Q49. I possess theoretical understanding.

• Q50. I have self-confidence.

• Q51. I embrace problem-oriented learning.

• Q52. I am driven by curiosity to learn.

• Q53. I am successful in collaborating with others.

• Q54. I love computer science.

Table 7 is extended here with three columns making explicit the Mann-Whitney U tests statistics, the rank of the hypothesis, by p-value, the Holm-Bonferroni corrected significance level, and the Bonferroni corrected significance level.

Extended Table 7

The detailed data analysis, including the Mann-Whitney U tests can be found in the Excel file SurveyDataAnalysis, on the sheet RQ1. MW-UQ12-Q43Q47-Q54.

To help in the interpretation of the data, the following chart summarises the results obtained for these questions. The data for this chart can be found in the Excel file SurveyDataAnalysis, on the sheet RQ1. Q47-Q54Diagram. This chart only presents results for questions where there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups.

The distribution of responses to questions related to participants’ reflection on their strengths from those who chose to do a PhD and those who didn’t.

Albeit with a small effect size, a greater curiosity to learn, a better understanding of theoretical computer science, and the ability to collaborate with peers are perceived as more developed in people who have decided to do a PhD. We found no significant differences in the competencies to succeed in Computer Science, having strong programming skills, embracing problem-oriented learning, or loving computer science, as these are similarly likely to be found in participants who decided not to do a PhD.