The Good Project Receives Grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to Advance Research on Intellectual Risk-Taking in Computer Science Education

The Good Project is pleased to announce grant support from the Henry Luce Foundation for a five-month mixed-methods pilot study examining intellectual risk-taking (IRT) in undergraduate computer science (CS) classrooms, with particular attention to the experiences of women in the field. The study will develop and test a preliminary survey instrument designed to measure behaviors such as asking clarifying questions, acknowledging confusion, and proposing new ideas despite uncertainty—behaviors that support learning yet may be discouraged in high-pressure academic environments. Working in partnership with 2 higher education institutions, the research team will conduct faculty focus groups, cognitive interviews with undergraduate women, and a pilot survey of approximately 200 students across CS and comparison liberal arts disciplines.

The pilot is designed to produce initial evidence on how intellectual risk-taking varies across gender and academic context and will inform the refinement of a formal IRT-CS measurement instrument. Findings will also support immediate applications in faculty development, curricular design, and classroom climate improvement. A potential second phase of research would pursue broader validation across additional institutions, STEM fields, and student populations, alongside psychometric testing and expanded analysis of how instructional practices, peer norms, and disciplinary culture shape students’ willingness to take intellectual risks. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to advance equity and belonging in STEM education and to develop tools that support inclusive, innovative learning environments. The Good Project extends its deep appreciation to the Henry Luce Foundation for its support of this research.