Women and STEM: A methodology for studying factors affecting attractivity

A research group formed by several higher education institutions (HEIs) came together with a common objective: study the factors that influence the choice of female students in STEM programs like engineering and technological ones. Based on a phenomenological analysis, semi-structured in-depth interviews were first conducted as pilot studies in two HEIs and these were used to arrive at the final methodological framework for the study planned for completion in 2020. Due to the pandemic the implementation phase had to be postponed. This paper reports on the methodology to be followed, the implementation challenges encountered in the different HEIs and expected outcomes. The study is intended to provide insights into what drives female students to choose STEM programs and their perceptions about difficulties they come across during the 1st year of studies. Also, it will contribute to improve procedures and methodologies applied to 1st year students in general and enhance motivation for new strategies to attract female students.