The intergroup variations however, are typically about a quarter of a standard deviation. Ruth Bleier brings up another area of concern with the studies conducted in brain asymmetry. Nor did they think it important to take into account that the subjects were volunteers, despite the evidence that gifted boys are more likely to volunteer to take tests than are gifted girls. The societal impact on students today can not be discounted entirely. In a society where role models in scientific areas are predominantly male and in schools where even though women teachers are plentiful, the sciences are more apt to be taught by men, the message is loud and clear.
Role models can have an enormous impact on a child.
As we see more working mothers, especially mothers working in technical or scientific fields, the preconceived maleness of science will slowly fade. It is a long slow process which really did not get under way until the last quarter of the twentieth century. To speed up the process, schools must take an active role in the education of young women in the sciences. Educators often speak of the self fulfilling prophecy. It is a very real and dangerous effect a teacher can have on a student.