Students’ Inclination from Pure Sciences to Computer Science: An Exploratory Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Students' academic preferences have changed a lot in the past few years. They are more interested in computer science (CS) as compared to pure sciences. This study aims to investigate the motives behind this shift among Intermediate-level students. A five-point Likert scale was used to conduct a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey. Response of 1,231 participants, including teachers and students from 11^th and 12^th grades was recorded. Descriptive statistics, including the mean and standard deviation, were calculated. T-test and ANOVA test were applied to measure the statistical significance difference among different groups. The significance of the results was compared using p-value (p = 0.05). The results reveal that students perceive that pure sciences are hard to understand with limited old lab equipment and provide few job opportunities. On the other hand, computer science was strongly linked to better job prospects, higher pay, job security, and being useful for modern technology. Students' preference for technology-based education was also strengthened by schools' focus on computer science programs, government policies that encourage digital skills. Parents' influence and students’ own exposure to social media and digital environments further strengthen their interest to CS. Results also indicate that there is statistical significance difference between teachers and students, especially when it came to career goals and how schools set priorities. This study concludes that; the inclination from pure sciences to CS is more due to structural and socioeconomic factors than a lack of interest in science. To keep both sciences in line, we need to make science education more modern, make career paths clearer, and fair educational policies.

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