Gender differences in mathematics self-efficacy: the effect of stereotype threat

The present research investigated whether the stereotype threat, i.e. the stereotype that “men are naturally more talented in mathematics that women”, could account for the well-known gender differences in mathematics self-efficacy. After being randomly assigned to stereotype threat vs no-threat conditions, 204 males and 119 females completed the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale-Revised. A 2x2 ANOVA was performed on mathematics self-efficacy with gender and condition (threat vs no-threat) as between factors. A main effect of gender was found, with males obtaining higher scores than females, as well as the effect of interaction between gender and condition. Males under stereotype threat showed an increase in mathematics self-efficacy compared with males in no-threat condition, whereas females under stereotype threat showed a decrease in mathematics self-efficacy compared with females in no-threat condition. Results suggest that gender differences in mathematics self efficacy can be related to the stereotype threat that females usually experience in everyday life.