Two UW-Madison researchers published a study June 1 disproving the socially constructed idea that men are innately better at mathematics than women.
Janet Hyde, a UW-Madison psychology professor, and Janet Mertz, a UW-Madison oncology professor co-authored the study, which aimed to answer three questions: Do gender differences in mathematics performance exist in the general population? Do gender differences exist among the mathematically talented? Do women exist who possess profound mathematical talent?
Hyde said the study gathered data from standardized tests taken across the United States and other nations and ultimately proved that no gap exists between men and women's mathematical skills.
""One of our main findings is that we really do not have gender differences anymore,"" she said.
According to the study, culture is the main factor encouraging the belief in a gender gap in mathematical skills, and this gap is increasingly narrowing because of a greater equality of men and women in society.
Hyde said she feels this study is important for UW-Madison students who are majoring in math-related fields.
""Women of this major need to know that they are just as good as the boys so they don't become subject to this stereotype,"" she said.
According to Hyde, the duo was inspired to conduct the study after Lawrence Summers, the former president of Harvard University, researched the lack of women with math-related Ph.D.s.
Hyde said she hopes math teachers and parents throughout the state of Wisconsin learn from this study.
""The data just do not support the stereotypes,"" she said.
