Table 4 Independent samples t-test comparison by gender of students’ understanding of and interest in digital forensic science and related careers based on retrospective pre-post survey questions

Retrospective pre (n = 63 females, 75 males)

I am interested in computer science topics

Female

2.60

0.908

0.025

0.39

Small

Male

2.95

0.868

I am interested in digital forensics topics

Female

2.37

0.848

0.900

N/A

N/A

Male

2.35

0.862

I am interested in using digital forensic applications to solve problems

Female

2.37

0.809

0.825

N/A

N/A

Male

2.33

0.859

I am confident I can explain something about digital forensics to a family member or friend

Female

1.65

0.722

0.048

0.35

Small

Male

1.95

0.971

Digital forensics relates to what I experience in the real world

Female

2.35

0.901

0.810

N/A

N/A

Male

2.39

0.914

I would like to learn more about careers in computer science like digital forensics and cybersecurity

Female

2.33

0.861

0.104

N/A

N/A

Male

2.57

0.857

Post (n = 63 females, 75 males)

I am interested in computer science topics

Female

2.92

0.955

0.003

0.52

Moderate

Male

3.35

0.688

I am interested in digital forensics topics

Female

2.87

0.871

0.965

N/A

N/A

Male

2.87

0.827

I am interested in using digital forensic applications to solve problems

Female

2.94

0.821

0.416

N/A

N/A

Male

3.05

0.853

I am confident I can explain something about digital forensics to a family member or friend

Female

2.95

0.906

0.614

N/A

N/A

Male

3.03

0.822

Digital forensics relates to what I experience in the real world

Female

3.10

0.875

0.518

N/A

N/A

Male

3.19

0.783

I would like to learn more about careers in computer science like digital forensics and cybersecurity

Female

2.92

0.829

0.790

N/A

N/A

Male

2.96

0.892