The points represent items that demonstrate statistically significant changes for men or women over time. the X value represents change for males and the Y value represents change for females. If a point has a positive X and Y value, then the change over time has been positive for both males and females. If the values are both negative, then the preference has decreased over time for both genders... and so on. 

Change in importance of work preferences STEM graduate students over time by gender

The points represent items that demonstrate statistically significant gender differences between two time points. The X value represents the gender difference at age 25 and the Y value represents the gender difference at age 35. If a point has a positive X and Y value (NE quadrant), then the preference was more important for male students (higher mean) at both time points. If a point has a negative X and Y value (SW quadrant), then the preference was more important for female students (higher mean) at both time points.

- NOTE: the larger number of legend items shows that men and women had more similar work preferences throughout time. 

Gender differences in importance of work preferences at both time points among STEM
graduate students

In general, males placed more value on:
- creating high-impact products
- compensation
- risk-taking
- recognition

Male Work Preferences

In general, females placed more value on:
- communal perspectives
- holistic perspectives
- emphasis on relationships
- less time for career

Female Work Preferences

- There were many work preferences that were rated with the same level of importance for both genders over time. 
- some preferences changed in parallel for both genders over time.
- some gender differences in work preferences persist over time. 
- parenthood greatly influences female work preferences. 

San Jose State University

Ferriman et al. assessed the work preferences of male and female first or second-year STEM graduate students. They reassessed the participants again 10 years to measure:
- (a) changes in male and female work preferences 
- (b) if any differences in work preferences between the genders emerged within this career development period. 
- (c) if any meaningful gender differences emerged in parenthood.

Gender Differences in Work Preferences  for STEM Students

Ferriman, Kimberley, Lubinski, David, & Benbow, Camilla P. (2009). Work Preferences, Life Values, and Personal Views of Top Math/Science Graduate Students and the Profoundly Gifted. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97(3), 517–532. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016030

Work Preferences, Life Values, and Personal Views of Top Math/Science Graduate Students and the Profoundly Gifted

- Participants were male (368) and female (346) first and second year graduate students from the top 15 STEM programs in the US. 
- In 1993, the researchers administered surveys pertaining to work preferences that influence career trajectories. - developed by experts in applied psychological sciences
- In 2003, an abbreviated and updated (questions changed from hypothetical to actual) survey was administered. 


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