Factores determinantes del interés en las ciencias: Perspectivas de adolescentes Determining factors of interest in science: Perspectives of adolescents

INTRODUCTION. There is little interest in choosing scientific careers, probably originated during adolescence. Expectations about future work are key in vocational choice, which is why it is necessary to explore the possible connection between both phenomena. OBJECTIVE. The objective of the study was to determine the main expectations of adolescents towards future work and their level of interest in science, as well as to investigate the relationship between these two topics. METHOD. One thousand fifty-four high school students from schools in Quito, Ecuador participated in this descriptive, correlational and predictive cross-sectional study. RESULTS. The results show that the main expectations of all teenagers about future work are self-realization, creative work, dynamism and excitement, and leisure priorities; however, there are differences in expectations about future work between women and men, consistent with traditional gender roles. In addition, a predictor model is found that relates interest in science with expectations of creative work, use of hands and tools, and care for the environment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. It is concluded that, to increase interest in science in students, it should also be associated to self-realization, and dynamism and excitement.