Final answer:
The single most relevant detail in the transcript that leads to this conclusion is Vedantam's observation that women in male-dominated fields often feel isolated and experience their gender as an identity, contributing to their disengagement in the sciences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vedantam's conclusion stems from recognizing the challenges faced by women in STEM fields due to isolation and the burden of being in the minority. He notes that spreading women thinly across various workgroups can exacerbate feelings of isolation and otherness. By consolidating women into critical mass workgroups, there's a potential for creating a supportive environment where they feel less isolated and more connected, reducing the burden of being the sole representative of their gender. This setup might foster a sense of community and support, encouraging women to stay engaged and interested in the sciences. Vedantam's emphasis on the importance of a critical mass acknowledges the significance of a supportive environment in retaining women in STEM fields.
The key detail that supports this reasoning is the acknowledgment of the isolating experience women often face in male-dominated fields, leading to disengagement.
Correct Answer: Isolation and feeling gender as an identity in male-dominated fields.