Analysis of the Extent to Which Advanced Placement Students Experience the Imposter Phenomenon

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the severity of the Imposter Phenomenon (IP) symptoms in AP high school students. The Imposter Phenomenon is a personal experience of believing that one is not as capable or as competent as others may view them. Prior research shows Imposter Phenomenon levels are higher in undergraduate and graduate students; however, little is known about how the IP affects high school students. Data was collected through a Google Forms survey in which both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to evaluate the full scope of Imposter Phenomenon feelings in AP students. The Clance IP Scale assessed symptoms in a numerical manner and free response questions were assessed qualitatively. Participants included 11th and 12th grade students at M. High School (MHS) that were enrolled in two or more AP classes. Initial results showed that students were answering higher on the Clance IP scale, showing that they were more likely to experience IP more intensely. This means that overall, students who are enrolled in multiple AP classes are reporting higher symptoms of the Imposter Phenomenon, whether it is realized or not. Therefore, the conclusion can be made that AP students are experiencing the IP to a higher, more concerning extent; however, this is limited due to the fact that research was conducted only on one school site, human error in score calculations, and participation limitations. Future research should expand across multiple school sites and multiple age groups, including adults, teenagers, and pre-teens.