Results /Discussion
The results of the various t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests are summarized in Table 1, and the
results of the chi-square tests are summarized in Table 2. Only tests relating to the research
question that were statistically significant are reported; in total, one linear, 21 non-parametric,
and eight dichotomous variables showed significant differences. For each variable in Table 1,
the mean and standard error are given for both groups of students. The larger mean is listed in
bold. Similarly, Table 2 gives the results from the chi-square tests. The percentages of each
group answering affirmatively to each factor are listed, followed by the statistical significance.
The higher percentage is listed in bold. Tests for related variables are grouped together in Table
1: first, career goals (highlighted in grey); second, attitudes about science (white); third, physics
identity (grey); fourth, attitudes about technology (white); fifth, science/engineering hobbies
(grey); sixth, SAT math scores (white). In Table 2 the questions are also grouped together: first,
sustainability factors in career goals (grey); second, influences on career choice (white); third,
attitudes about mathematics (grey).
As indicated in Tables 1 and 2, chemical engineering students show several substantial
differences with students in chemistry. In order to understand the uniqueness
of chemical engineering students and consider how to specifically design pedagogy for these
students, it is instructive to consider the meaning of the related blocks of factors that were found
to be significant.