The influence of normative beliefs on students’ enrolment choices

Abstract

Peers, family, mentors and the media may influence students’ attitudes towards chemistry and their intention to enrol in tertiary chemistry courses. In this paper we report on an investigation of the perceptions students hold about their associates’ attitudes towards chemistry and chemists. Data were gathered from interviews with 37 tertiary chemistry students, for whom chemistry had differing roles in their degree. The data suggest that although many of the students’ associates subscribe to stereotypical images of chemistry and chemists, students’ choices of enrolment are predominantly based on their own previous experiences.

Notes

* Corresponding author: Institute for Policy Studies in Education, London Metropolitan ­University, 166–220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB, UK. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacinta Dalgety *

* Corresponding author: Institute for Policy Studies in Education, London Metropolitan ­University, 166–220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB, UK. Email: [email protected]