Methodological memorandum for Michelle Llado-Wrzos' PhD dissertation

Author ORCID Identifier

Author Information

• Michelle Llado-Wrzos, Ed.D., ORCID
• Cristo Leon, Ph.D., ORCID

Authors

Michelle Llado-Wrzos Ed.D., New Jersey Institute of TechnologyFollow
Cristo Leon Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of TechnologyFollow

Abstract

This methodological memorandum outlines the research approach for Michelle Llado-Wrzos' PhD dissertation, which explores the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite multiple efforts to reduce the gender disparity, female students remain significantly less likely to pursue STEM majors compared to their male peers. The research focuses on assessing the impact of extrinsic motivators—specifically financial incentives and exposure to female role models—on the STEM major choices of female high school students. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, this study thoroughly integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to examine these motivators.

A quasi-experimental design will assess the effect of financial incentives and wage information. At the same time, a thematic analysis of interview data will provide deeper insights into the influence of role models. The study's central research question examines how extrinsic motivators impact female students' choice of STEM majors, along with secondary questions exploring socio-cultural interactions and the influence of institutional policies. Theoretical alignment is informed by social learning and expectancy-value theories, which support the importance of financial and social incentives in encouraging female participation in STEM.

The research adopts a pragmatic paradigm, leveraging qualitative and quantitative insights to derive actionable findings. The findings are expected to inform institutional enrollment strategies, enhance financial aid targeting female students, and foster role model exposure to bridge the gender gap in STEM. This study addresses a critical societal challenge by identifying practical interventions that increase female representation in STEM, contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workforce essential for addressing the complex challenges of the 21st Century.

Recommended Citation

Llado-Wrzos, Michelle Ed.D. and Leon, Cristo Ph.D. (2025) "Methodological memorandum for Michelle Llado-Wrzos' PhD dissertation," Journal of Roleplaying Studies and STEAM: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/jrpssteam/vol4/iss1/8