Investigating the Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Code Comprehension in Final Year Computer Science Students Using Eye Tracking and Biometrics

Core Concepts

Imposter syndrome negatively impacts the code comprehension abilities of final year computer science students, with female students exhibiting higher levels of imposter syndrome compared to male students.

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of imposter syndrome among final-year undergraduate computer science students and its effects on their code comprehension cognition using an eye tracker and heart rate monitor. The key findings are: Students identifying as male exhibit lower imposter syndrome levels when analyzing code. Higher imposter syndrome is associated with increased time reviewing a code snippet and a lower likelihood of solving it correctly. Participants with higher imposter syndrome levels tend to spend more time looking at method calls and method declarations when comprehending code. The study provides initial data on this topic and establishes a foundation for further research to support student academic success and improve developer productivity and mental well-being.

Stats

Students identifying as male had an average imposter syndrome score of 50.56, while female students had an average score of 68.80. Participants with higher imposter syndrome scores spent more time on average reviewing code snippets. The percentage of participants who answered code comprehension questions correctly decreased as imposter syndrome levels increased.

Quotes

"Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects individuals who doubt their skills and abilities, despite possessing the necessary competencies." "As undergraduate students progress through their computer science degree, they not only acquire new skills but also refine existing ones, ultimately becoming proficient in designing and implementing software systems." "Feelings of self-doubt and insecurity associated with impostor syndrome can undermine their ability to comprehend codebases, thereby negatively impacting their confidence and job performance."

Key Insights Distilled From

Impostor Syndrome in Final Year Computer Science Students: An Eye Tracking and Biometrics Study

by Alyssia Chen... at arxiv.org 04-17-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.10194.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can educational institutions and the software industry implement interventions to help mitigate the negative impacts of imposter syndrome on computer science students and professionals?

Imposter syndrome can have detrimental effects on the performance and well-being of computer science students and professionals. To address this issue, educational institutions and the software industry can implement several interventions: Mentorship Programs: Pairing students and professionals with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and reassurance can help combat feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Mentors can share their own experiences with imposter syndrome and provide strategies for overcoming it. Professional Development Workshops: Offering workshops on imposter syndrome awareness, coping mechanisms, and building self-confidence can help individuals recognize and address their feelings of inadequacy. These workshops can also provide practical tools for managing stress and anxiety. Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking help is crucial. Encouraging open communication and destigmatizing discussions about imposter syndrome can help reduce its impact. Feedback and Recognition: Providing constructive feedback and recognizing individuals' achievements can boost their confidence and validate their skills. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, can help individuals combat feelings of fraudulence. Counseling Services: Offering access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or support groups, can provide individuals with professional help in managing imposter syndrome and related mental health issues. By implementing these interventions, educational institutions and the software industry can create a supportive and empowering environment that helps individuals overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.

What other cognitive factors, beyond code comprehension, might be affected by imposter syndrome in the context of software engineering tasks?

Imposter syndrome can impact various cognitive factors beyond code comprehension in the context of software engineering tasks. Some of these factors include: Decision-Making: Individuals experiencing imposter syndrome may struggle with decision-making, as they may doubt their abilities to make the right choices. This can lead to indecisiveness and hesitation in critical situations. Problem-Solving Skills: Imposter syndrome can hinder problem-solving skills by causing individuals to second-guess their solutions and avoid taking risks. This can impede their ability to think creatively and innovatively. Collaboration and Communication: Imposter syndrome can affect how individuals interact with their peers and colleagues. They may feel reluctant to voice their opinions, contribute to team projects, or seek help when needed, leading to communication barriers and reduced collaboration. Time Management: Individuals struggling with imposter syndrome may experience heightened anxiety and stress, impacting their time management skills. They may procrastinate tasks, overwork themselves, or struggle to prioritize effectively. Learning and Adaptability: Imposter syndrome can hinder individuals' willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies in the fast-paced software engineering industry. They may fear failure and avoid stepping out of their comfort zones. Addressing imposter syndrome and its effects on these cognitive factors is essential for fostering a healthy and productive work environment in software engineering.

What are the long-term implications of imposter syndrome on the career trajectories and mental well-being of computer science graduates as they transition into the software industry?

Imposter syndrome can have significant long-term implications on the career trajectories and mental well-being of computer science graduates entering the software industry: Career Progression: Imposter syndrome can hinder career advancement by causing individuals to turn down opportunities for growth, such as promotions or challenging projects, due to self-doubt and fear of failure. This can stagnate their professional development. Job Satisfaction: Individuals experiencing imposter syndrome may struggle to find satisfaction in their work, as they constantly feel like they are not good enough or deserving of their accomplishments. This can lead to burnout and disengagement. Mental Health: Long-term exposure to imposter syndrome can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. This can impact overall well-being and quality of life. Self-Perception: Imposter syndrome can distort individuals' self-perception and self-esteem, making it challenging for them to recognize their worth and capabilities. This negative self-image can persist throughout their career and personal life. Professional Relationships: Imposter syndrome can strain professional relationships by creating barriers to effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Individuals may isolate themselves or struggle to build meaningful connections with colleagues. To mitigate these long-term implications, it is crucial for computer science graduates to address imposter syndrome early on in their careers through self-awareness, seeking support, and developing coping strategies. Building resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset can help individuals navigate the challenges posed by imposter syndrome and thrive in the software industry.