Table 1 Summary of coding scheme used for belonging explanations. Each code is defined for students who had or lacked the reason described
From: Race and gender differences in how sense of belonging influences decisions to major in STEM
Code | Reason for belonging | Reason for not belonging |
|---|---|---|
Interpersonal relationships | Feels socially connected with peers and/or faculty members. May share common interests with peers. | Lacks a social connection with peers. Feels socially different, does not fit in. |
Science identity | Science is a part of their identity as a person. | Lacks a personal connection to the major or material. |
Personal interest | Expresses personal interest in course subject or major. | Explicit lack of interest. May find the material boring or unrelated to their reason for choosing their major. |
Competence | Feels like they understand major-related material or receives good grades in major-related courses. | Feels like they do not understand major-related material well or receives poor grades in major-related courses. |