The effect of selected psychological and occupational characteristics on Atlanta University black female doctoral graduates in education and the sciences

摘要

Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of this study was to compare selected psychological and occupational characteristics of black female doctoral graduates who chose careers in education with black female doctoral graduates who chose careers in the sciences at Atlanta University between the academic years 1975 through 1985.HypothesesThe significance of differences between the two groups was tested on the following variables: 1) womenu27s self-perception; 2) womenu27s perception of womenu27s ideal woman; 3) womenu27s perception of menu27s ideal woman; 4) deterministic; 5) motivation to achieve; 6) need for control; 7) concern for people; 8) self-actualization; 9) stress; 10) professional recognition and involvement; and 11) professional productivity. The .05 level of significance served as the decision rule.Significance of the StudyThe anticipated benefits of this study were:1) That it would have implications for student personnel staff in their interactions with black female graduate students;2) That it would be used as pre-screening tools to assess the readiness of doctoral degree applicants for the Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs;3) That it would serve as a generating point for further research on the values, managerial and leadership styles of black female doctorates;4) That it will add to the body of knowledge on achievement motivation in black professional women who have earned the doctorate;5) That it will aid Atlanta University in obtaining follow-up information on its terminal degree graduates; and6) That it will suggest some ways of addressing the needs of future matriculating black female doctoral students.Research MethodologyThe survey and ex post facto research techniques were used in this study. The instruments used were the Male-Female Role Research Inventory of Feminine Values, Meta-Motivation Inventory and a Demographic Questionnaire. The statistical treatment used was Fisheru27s t for uncorrelated means.The findings of the study seem to warrant the following recommendations.1) That more financial aid in the form of fellowships, scholarships and other monies be made strictly available for doctoral education at Atlanta University;2) That a new thrust be made in identifying, hiring and promoting black female earned doctorate holders in decision-making faculty and administrative positions; and3) That concerted efforts be made to recruit, counsel and financially support black females interested in entering traditionally male-oriented areas.