Allison Master

Papers

Total Citations

363

H-Index

About

Allison Master is a developmental psychologist whose research illuminates the critical role of early experiences in shaping children’s academic motivation and gender equity in STEM. Her most-cited work, a landmark 2017 study, demonstrated that even a brief programming experience can significantly boost STEM motivation among first-grade girls, challenging long-held assumptions about when and how gender gaps emerge. This finding, with over 360 citations, has reshaped educational interventions by highlighting the power of early, hands-on exposure to technology. Master’s broader research agenda explores how social contexts—including stereotypes, belonging, and teacher feedback—influence children’s interest and persistence in math and science. She has shown that subtle cues can either undermine or strengthen young learners’ sense of fit in STEM fields, offering actionable insights for parents and educators. Her work is widely cited in developmental, educational, and social psychology, and she has received recognition for its translational impact, including funding from the National Science Foundation. Master’s research provides a compelling, evidence-based roadmap for closing gender gaps in STEM from the very start of schooling.