Those who have entered careers in psychology are given the task of analyzing behavior and reaching conclusions to explain why certain phenomena occur. These men and women are expected to interpret the impulses which humans exhibit on the surface. Individuals who are inspired by provocative questions may decide that psychology provides an interesting outlet to satisfy their curiosity.

One psychologist became curious in recent trends which indicate that women are not generally pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Kathi Miner-Rubino, a professor of psychology at Texas A&M, will attempt to recognize obstacles that keep women from engaging in these types of programs, the Cypress Times reports.

The study's co-author and professor at the University of Houston-Downtown, Anne Rinn, commented, "Women, and especially minority women, are hugely underrepresented in STEM fields. The study, by identifying barriers that cause them to turn away from degree programs they once desired, can be used to implement programs that will help remove those barriers."

The research will be funded by a $499,995 grant from the National Science Foundation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of psychologists will grow 15% until 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations.