In other words, it is entirely plausible that a substantial portion of sex-based cognitive differences may be biological in origin. Spatial aptitudes are closely linked with mathematical ability, and the evidence for a biological influence on sex differences in spatial ability is greater than for any other area. For example, male rats do better in mazes than do females 1 . I concede it is possible that the female rats performed poorly because they were distressed by the lack of proper role models, but somehow this seems implausible. Time taken out Women may tend to have lower achievement levels because of time taken out of their professional careers to devote to child-rearing.
Many female scientists are married, and many have children.
When presented with the decision of who shall stay home with their children, most married couples choose the female member of the husband-wife team. Like other professions, science and engineering are very competitive. There is empirical evidence that supports the above hypothesis. In previous generations, women were discouraged and actively prevented from choosing careers in the physical sciences. This is no longer true.