Science identity and stem career interest among Indonesian high school students

Nafisah Maulida Agustin; Nuril Munfaridah; Ahmad Taufiq

doi:10.21067/mpej.v10i1.13580

Authors

Nafisah Maulida Agustin Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia
Nuril Munfaridah Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia
Ahmad Taufiq Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21067/mpej.v10i1.13580

Keywords:

Gender, High school students, Science identity, STEM careers

Abstract

Currently, relatively few high school students choose science-related fields, which may influence their future career decisions in science and STEM disciplines. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the construction of science identity among high school students and investigate its relationship with students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. A quantitative research approach was employed involving 731 students from a public high school in Malang, Indonesia. Data were collected using a science identity questionnaire consisting of 24 items and a STEM career interest questionnaire consisting of 44 items. The data were analyzed using inferential statistical analyses, including Pearson Product-Moment correlation, independent sample t-tests, and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test. The findings revealed a positive relationship between science identity and students’ interest in STEM careers, indicating that students with stronger science identity tended to demonstrate greater interest in pursuing STEM-related careers. The results also showed significant differences in science identity and STEM career interest between Grade 10 and Grade 11 students, with Grade 11 students demonstrating lower average scores. However, no significant differences were found between male and female students. These findings highlight the important role of science identity in supporting students’ motivation, engagement, and interest in STEM-related learning and careers. Furthermore, this study contributes empirical evidence regarding science identity and STEM career interest among Indonesian high school students, particularly across grade levels and gender perspectives. Future research is recommended to involve broader participants from different regions and educational levels to strengthen the generalizability of the findings.

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