Computer programming skill and gender difference: An empirical study

摘要

Women have been said to be poorly represented in computing most especially in computer programming. However, there is a dearth of empirical research to support this evidence. This study employed an experimental proof approach to verify the wide acclaimed gender difference in computing. Two parallel student-gender groups (male and Female) were subjected to two different computer programming problems. The problems were given to them to solve, starting from the analysis phase to the final implementation. Their outcomes measured in terms of the accuracy and efficiency of codes turned out from the experiments were then compared statistically. Briefly, the results showed that gender difference may not come into play at all when it comes to computer programming. Other factors like fear, interest or attitudes may however be responsible for the low representation of females in computing.