Underachievement in physics: When intelligent girls fail

The present study examined gender-specific physics underachievement to identify highly intelligent students who perform below their intellectual potential in physics. The sample consisted of 316 students (182 girls) from higher secondary school (Gymnasium) in Switzerland (age M = 16.25 years, SD = 1.12 years). In a multiple group latent profile analysis, intellectual potential and physics grades were used to determine gender-specific student profiles. In accordance with prior expectations, a problematic profile of female physics underachievers with high intellectual potential but below-average physics grades was identified. Their math grades and GPA (Grade Point Average), by contrast, were within the normal range, suggesting domain-specific underachievement. The female physics underachievers, moreover, showed a low interest and self-concept in physics compared with the other students, complementing the picture. An independent sample was used to validate the student profiles. In concluding, we discuss implications for physics classrooms and future research.