Selectivity and Ability

This paper reports an attempt to explore the relationship between the abilities of some ex-Secondary Modern boys and the degree of selectivity to which each had been subjected in being allocated to a non-selective school. It was found that the correlation with arithmetical ability was positive (0.521) whilst the correlation with verbal ability was negative (-0.382). Two possible reasons behind the discrepancy between the correlations are discussed: the pattern of ability found in the sample studied and differential experience of secondary education according to selectivity conditions. It is tentatively suggested that the findings indicate a wastage of arithmetical ability.