Ability Patterns Among Three Chinese Communities

Abstract

The score patterns in eight ability areas were compared among three Chinese communities having differential demands for English competence. A total of 610 9th graders of high academic achievement were selected for the study. The data analyses revealed that the ability patterns significantly differed among groups. Specifically, the Guangzhou group was best in Chinese language usage and verbal reasoning, the Hong Kong group came second, and the Singapore group came third. The superiority order among these groups was reversed in English language usage and verbal reasoning. The Guangzhou and Hong Kong groups excelled in mathematical reasoning. The Hong Kong group was inferior in mechanical reasoning. However, the three groups were not significantly different in spatial and abstract reasonings. The results seem to support the prediction that environmental demands have differential influence on students' ability patterns.