School Students’ Views About Physics: A Cross-National Study Involving England, Hong Kong and Singapore

May 21, 2026

Recognizing a declining interest in school physics, the study examines students’ perspectives in England, Hong Kong, and Singapore. A survey design with Rasch modeling was used, based on 2,719 participants and previously validated instruments. Findings show markedly negative utilitarian attitudes in Hong Kong and Singapore regarding career prospects and physics graduates’ vocational value, unlike England. Students in all three contexts find physics interesting, yet good grades, enrichment, and lab work—not intrinsic motivation—drive continuation. Teachers, peers, and parents differentially shape social views.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages29

Reading Time1 h 13 min

Abstract

Introduction

Background on declining physics interest

Conceptual factors shaping views

FAQs

What was the study’s purpose regarding physics education?

To ascertain students’ views about various aspects of physics in England, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

How was the study conducted and analyzed?

A survey approach was used, with Rasch modeling to treat the survey data; the survey was earlier validated in one country.

What key differences emerged among the three countries?

Hong Kong and Singapore students showed significantly more negative utilitarian attitudes about physics career prospects than England students, while all three groups agreed that physics is interesting but that it does not strongly motivate tertiary continuation.

May 21, 2026

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