The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

by Annie Murphy Paul

In another study led by Kizilcec, the inclusion of a diversity statement on the Web pages of online courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics increased the enrollment of students of lower socioeconomic status—another group that is often underrepresented in STEM fields. “This is an equal opportunity course that offers you a supportive and inclusive space to learn,” the statement read. “Everyone, no matter their age, gender, or nationality, can be successful in this course. People like you are joining from all over the world and we value this diversity.” Such “psychologically inclusive design,” as Kizilcec calls it, aims to lower barriers to participation by “strategically placing content and design cues in the environment”—an effort that is as important in the online world as it is in the material one.