The researcher identifeid a wide range of possible explanations for females opting out of physics, including: female learners can feel put off by the prospect of being the minority sex amongst a predominantly male work force; physics and its associated careers can be perceived as masculine; there are fewer female role models in physics than male ones; physics was an uninspiring experience at school, posisbly because it was taught by non specialists; there is a lack of provision for career guidance in the education system; although some parents affect subject choice, this may be in the context of a lack of career advice and may also be gender biased; and there is a perception that physics is an inherently difficult subject.