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An Evaluation of Impostor Phenomenon in Data Science Students

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  • Lindsay Duncan

    (School of Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Gita Taasoobshirazi

    (School of Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Ashana Vaudreuil

    (Healthcare Management and Informatics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Jitendra Sai Kota

    (School of Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Sweta Sneha

    (Healthcare Management and Informatics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

Abstract

Impostor Phenomenon (IP), also called impostor syndrome, involves feelings of perceived fraudulence, self-doubt, and personal incompetence that persist despite one’s education, experience, and accomplishments. This study is the first to evaluate the presence of IP among data science students and to evaluate several variables linked to IP simultaneously in a single study evaluating data science. In addition, it is the first study to evaluate the extent to which gender identification is linked to IP. We examined: (1) the degree to which IP exists in our sample; (2) how gender identification is linked to IP; (3) whether there are differences in goal orientation, domain identification, perfectionism, self-efficacy, anxiety, personal relevance, expectancy, and value for different levels of IP; and (4) the extent to which goal orientation, domain identification, perfectionism, self-efficacy, anxiety, personal relevance, expectancy, and value predict IP. We found that most students in the sample showed moderate and frequent levels of IP. Moreover, gender identification was positively related to IP for both males and females. Finally, results indicated significant differences in perfectionism, value, self-efficacy, anxiety, and avoidance goals by IP level and that perfectionism, self-efficacy, and anxiety were particularly noteworthy in predicting IP. Implications of our findings for improving IP among data science students are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindsay Duncan & Gita Taasoobshirazi & Ashana Vaudreuil & Jitendra Sai Kota & Sweta Sneha, 2023. "An Evaluation of Impostor Phenomenon in Data Science Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4115-:d:1080136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yan Zhang & Xinwen Bai & Wanyi Yang, 2022. "The Chain Mediating Effect of Negative Perfectionism on Procrastination: An Ego Depletion Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-13, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kowalczyk-Kroenke Anna, 2024. "Does Success Really Hurt? Impostor Syndrome Among Managers of Polish Enterprises – Results of a – Preliminary Qualitative Study," Journal of Intercultural Management, Sciendo, vol. 16(1), pages 76-98, March.

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