| Approved on: | 2026-02-11 |
| Brief purpose of the study: | The purpose of this research is to learn about women’s experiences in postsecondary mathematics programs and the ways (if any) in which they describe these experiences as playing a role in their considerations about leaving their mathematics programs. |
| Brief summary of what participants will be asked to do: | Participants will be asked to participate in one video- and audio-recorded focus group. The focus group will start with a body mapping activity which will then lead to group discussion. Participants will be asked to consider and discuss their experiences in and with their mathematics programs along with the experiences they describe as playing a role in their considerations to leave the mathematics program. At the end of the focus group, participants may opt for an individual interview to share information they didn’t feel comfortable sharing in the focus group. I will also follow up with participants to ensure I have accurately represented their experiences in my analysis. |
| Basic eligibility criteria: | To be eligible for this project, participants must identify as women, be at least 18 years of age, and be either currently pursuing a mathematics degree or pursued a mathematics degree in the past, but have since chosen to leave the program. Participants must have already taken a proof-based course in mathematics and, if still pursuing a mathematics degree, been in their current program for at least one full year. |
| Study contact for more information: | Jessica Justice: jajqh8@umsystem.edu |
| IRB Number: | 2131834 MU |
