"Science in Tales": Analysis of the images of scientist in young people's fictional literature

TL;DR

This study analyzes how secondary school students' fictional tales depict scientists, revealing stereotypes that may influence science interest and career choices among young people in Ibero-America.

Contribution

It connects student-created fictional images of scientists with broader cultural stereotypes, highlighting implications for science education and career interest.

Findings

Stereotypes of scientists are prevalent in student tales.

These stereotypes reflect broader cultural representations.

Negative stereotypes may reduce interest in science careers.

Abstract

In the research field on the "images of scientists" that appear in fictional literature, we focus on a set of tales produced by students of secondary school. Our aim is to connect some traits of the stereotypical scientist that appear in those texts with the traits underlying other cultural productions, since those productions may constitute the probable source of the stereotype. Many common representations of the scientist emerge from an image of science that is inadequate from the point of view of science teaching. It correlates to a lack of interest towards science courses. This lack of interest would contribute to stagnation in the number of students pursuing science and technology careers in Ibero-America in general and especially in Argentina.