Gender Differences in Match and Mismatch of Aptitude, Interests and Professional Course Choice

Abstract

The research focuses on identifying Gender differences in Match and Mismatch of Aptitude, Interests and Professional Course choice among Engineering students. The sample for the research comprises 56 Engineering students who were selected through the convenient sampling method across the Coimbatore district. Descriptive research design which used a survey method to explore gender differences in the alignment of aptitude, interests, and professional course choices was applied to the research. The psychological measures used were David’s Battery of Differential Abilities (DBDA) and The Thurstone Interest Schedule (TIS). After sample collection, the data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including t-tests, which helped to conclude the study. In this research, there is a slight gender difference in the cognitive skills. Results: The research found that females demonstrated a notable benefit in verbal ability. The Aptitude differences have a limited influence on gender-specific professional course preferences. Interest levels in physical science, business, computational, and biological fields showed no significant gender differences. Females demonstrated significantly higher interest in literary and musical domains.