A study shows that Asian students of Asian descent are superior in math and science.
Asian students in America outperform other racial or ethnic groups in math and science lessons, according to a new study looking at 367 10th graders in the Philadelphia area.
The study, published in Psychology of Women Quarterly, claims to be "the first study to examine behavior and achievements in mathematics and science at the gender and ethnic crossroads of four major ethnic groups," including white, Asian American, Latino and African American.
Asian adolescents consistently show the highest achievement among adolescents, reflecting the stereotype of 'exemplary minority'.
In contrast, the low attainment of Latino and African American men is persistent and an alarming trend.
Although surveys indicate that Asian American groups excel in math and science, Professor Nicole Else-Quest of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and lead author of the study, do not want the data to confirm the perception of a "exemplary minority" of Asian Americans.
I think that stereotype is dangerous for everyone, whether it is positive or not. It's putting people together and limiting us. When we talk about Asia America, we must see it as a very diverse population with diverse cultures and diverse levels of status and fluency in language.
Although the number of women remained low in mathematics and science-related careers, the study found that female and male students scored similarly in both areas.
The study also found that male students of all ethnicities reported greater perceptions in mathematics, while female students were associated more in science lessons.
Despite gender parity in mathematical and scientific achievements, cendering young women believe that their science, technology, engineering and math skills are as strong as their male classmates.
Else-Quest says the next goal of the three-year study is to know the role of parents in shaping perceptions of math and science.