Where the Women Are: Gender Imbalance in Computing and Faculty Perceptions of Theoretical and Applied Research

Women remain under-represented in academic science, and this is especially true in computing. While there is limited research on gender differences in research focus, there is evidence that women may be more likely to conduct applied research. We surveyed tenured and tenure-track faculty in the United States to understand perceptions of hypothetical researchers who engage in applied or theoretical work. Faculty rated researchers engaged in applied research as less likely to publish their work, receive tenure/be promoted, obtain awards, and get funding for their work. Faculty further rated these researchers as less brilliant, creative, and technically skilled than they rated their theory-focused counterparts. Data from publications, hiring, funding, and awards suggests that applied research may indeed lead to worse career outcomes. We further show that women are more highly represented in applied research areas than theoretical ones. Negative perceptions of applied researchers must now be addressed to avoid exacerbating the gender gap.