i:\doc\web\99\07\femmath.txt
>  Hi Steve,
>


>  As promised, here is my dissertation abstract
>  on the rarity of female "nerds."  Actually, I
>  didn't look at nerds, but an ability pattern
>  that defines some of the best of them.
>


>  Comments and questions welcome, as always.
>


>  All best,
>  Patti
>


>  __________________
>


>


>  Abstract
>  On the Rarity of Mathematically and
>  Mechanically Gifted Females:
>  A Life History Analysis
>  by
>  Patricia Hausman
>


>


>  Engineering and certain physical sciences demand high levels of both
>  mathematical and mechanical (HMHM) abilityÍa cognitive pattern found
>  primarily among males.  A small number of females also demonstrate this
>  pattern.  However, its correlates have not been examined longitudinally.
>


>  This study compared life histories of females with the HMHM pattern to
>  those of other college-capable women. Using a model adapted from Helmuth
>  NyborgÉs theory of general trait co-variance, it predicted that HMHM


females
>  would have characteristics suggesting low lifetime exposure to estrogens
Íor
>  to a high androgen/estrogen ratio. Subjects were 127 females from the
>  National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.
>


>  Most somatic and reproductive predictions were supported.  HMHM
>  females matured more slowly than controls and were taller, thinner, and


more
>  physically active.  Reproductive histories proved particularly noteworth
y.
>  HMHM females lost almost 25% of their pregnancies to miscarriage or
>  stillbirth, and almost half were childless as of their early to late 30s
..
>  Controls had more pregnancies and birthsÍand much lower rates of
>  childlessness and pregnancy loss.  Limited data on contraceptive use
>  did not explain the fertility differential.  HMHM females showed less
>  religiosity than controls, but other psychological predictions were
>  inconclusive or not supported.
>


>  Follow-up analysis considered whether study variables co-varied with
>  general ability.  Both groups were compared to a third (HIIQ) group equa
l


to
>  HMHM females in general ability but lacking marked mechanical aptitude.
>  Means for HIIQ females on somatic and reproductive traits were generally
>  intermediate to those of HMHM and control groups.   By contrast, HMHM ma
les
>  showed some reproductive advantage over HIIQ males.
>


>  The results indicate that HMHM females differ biologically from controls
>  and are consistent with reports that sex hormones influence cognitive
>  architecture.  The findings further suggest that the rarity of the HMHM
>  pattern in females is best explained by the Darwinian principle of sexua
l
>  selection. Evolutionary pressures select against characteristics that
>  inhibit reproductive success.  In females, factors associated with the
>  HMHM pattern appear to fall into this category.
>


>  The limitations of the study, recommendations for further research, and
>  suggested modifications to the study model are discussed.  The need to
>  replicate the findings in larger populations is stressed.
>






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