Why does the representation of women, African Americans and Hispanic Americans vary so dramatically across disciplines? Degree production data in atmospheric sciences, oceanography, other geosciences, and related fields will be examined in detail. The data will be viewed from many different perspectives, in assorted combinations, and within various frameworks. In addition, sources of error will be discussed. The goal of this talk is to answer a fundamental question. How do we know if the data merely reflect differences in personal preferences or if the data point to features of the environment that impede higher levels of participation?