58th Annual STS (1998–1999)
Finalists
Lauren Cooper

Lauren Cooper, 18, of Roslyn, completed a psychology project for the Intel Science Talent Search. She tested two hypotheses on the use of gender-biased language in reference to the Office of the President: that it would have a negative impact on the evaluation of a female candidate; and that it would decrease interest in politics among females. To test her theory, she asked 165 sixth-graders to evaluate mock Presidential candidates against a description of Presidential duties and qualifications written in three different language styles: gender-based (he), gender-neutral (he/she), and non-traditional (she). The use of gender-neutral language was the only situation in which the female candidate received higher ratings than the male, and when non-traditional language was used both male and female subjects indicated the greatest interest in politics. At Roslyn High School, Lauren plays an active role in student government and is captain of the forensic team and an editor of both the yearbook and newspaper. Other activities include softball, tennis, and piano. The daughter of Dr. Steven and Barbara Cooper, Lauren plans to study social science and mathematics at Duke University.

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