Gender stereotypes are not only pervasive, but they can also contribute to the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math-related careers, according to a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers found that children start developing ideas that STEM courses are more fit for boys as young as six years old. 

Researchers used a mix of surveys and experiments to determine attitudes of a racially diverse sample of children and teens in grades 1 through 12.

They conducted studies surveying more than 2,200 children and teens beliefs about computer science and engineering, and conducted subsequent lab studies on a smaller sample that showed that these stereotypes may influence their participation in these STEM fields.

The surveys showed that 51% of children believed girls were less interested in computer science than boys, and 63% of children believed girls were less interested in engineering.

In subsequent lab studies, 35% of girls were interested in a computer science activity when they were told boys were more interested in it than girls.

By comparison, 65% of girls were interested in the same activity when they were told boys and girls had equal interest in it.