See a Scientist, Be a Scientist? Exploring the Effects of Role Model Stories on Science Engagement

In science classrooms, educators often expose students to the success stories of role models through written assignments, videos, and guest speakers. These interventions are implemented in hopes that students will seek to emulate the role model and become motivated to pursue science careers. However, the evidence is mixed on whether these interventions are effective at increasing science engagement. Using a mixed-methods design involving a 2 × 2 between-groups experiment and thematic analysis, this study tests how different role model narratives (professional scientist vs student scientist; achievement narrative vs persistence-through-struggle narrative) shape college students’ science identity, growth mindset beliefs, and task persistence. Results show that the role model interventions had no significant effect across these outcomes, but STEM-major students and students with high-self efficacy beliefs maintained greater levels of science identity and growth mindset beliefs as compared to their peers. Qualitative findings revealed that role models can serve different functions depending on the narrative surrounding the role model’s path to success. These findings can be used by college, high school, and even elementary instructors to design effective role model interventions that improve student engagement in science.