Ethnic Differences in Science Choice, Attitudes and Achievement in Britain

Abstract

The science choices, attitudes and achievement of Asian and black children were compared with those of white children. When allowance was made for background and school factors there was very little difference between the ethnic groups in the extent to which they enroled in science courses in fourth and fifth year. Asian boys were slightly more likely than other boys to choose physics; they also expressed greater liking for science and greater interest in learning about physical science than other boys. White girls were less interested in physical science than other girls and white boys were less interested in biology. Black and Asian pupils scored lower than comparable white children on science tests on entry to secondary school. However by fifth year Asian boys were out‐performing white boys, while black pupils achieved as well as white children from similar backgrounds and schools.

High Aspirations but Low Progression: The Science Aspirations–careers Paradox Amongst Minority Ethnic Students

“…The most striking finding to emerge from our data contains echoes of the 'Asian effect' noted previously by Kelly (1988). Namely, the 'Asian' students appeared to exhibit a highly positive 'package' of attitudes, expectations and behaviours that all combine to foster a strong interest and engagement in science:…”

“…Attention was drawn to a so-called 'Asian effect', describing the particularly high interest and achievement in science that was recorded amongst 'Asian' students. For instance, in her analysis of data from the Girls Into Science and Technology project, Kelly (1988) highlights 'the consistently positive scores of Asian boys' and that:…”