Standardized test scoring methods include percentages, averages, grade-level norms, specific performance requirements, and raw scores. Multiple-choice questions are common, and tests are usually evaluated by computer programs. Raw scores can be converted to percentages, and averages are used in some tests, such as the IQ test and graduate program exams. Grade-level averages compare scores to peers, and some tests have specific performance requirements.
Different standardized test scoring methods use percentages, averages, grade-level norms, specific performance requirements, and raw scores. Most standardized tests involve the use of multiple-choice questions that must be answered within a certain amount of time. They are usually evaluated and scored by a computer program. Some standardized test scoring incorporates more than one method.
One of the common standardized test scoring methods is the use of a raw score. This involves taking the number of questions that were answered incorrectly and subtracting that number from the total number of questions on the test. The raw score directly corresponds to the number of questions the test taker answered correctly.
Raw scores can be converted to percentages with another standardized test scoring method. Certain percentiles correspond directly to specific raw scores. These percentiles generally indicate the number of participants who scored equal to or less than the corresponding raw score. For example, a candidate who obtains a raw score of 45 on a section of a standardized college entrance test may receive an 80th percentile. This is interpreted to mean that only 20% of candidates who score above 45.
Averages are another standardized test scoring method. This type of scoring is usually established for different subject areas. Test takers who score above or below average receive a score that deviates from the average. The IQ test is an example of a standardized test that uses the averaging method. Anything greater than 100 is considered an above average score.
Another example of the use of averages on standardized tests are the exams required to enter most graduate programs. The score is based on a baseline average of 500. Test takers can only deviate from this average by 300 points. The minimum score is 200 and the maximum is 800.
Grade-level averages can be expressed as percentiles or numerical figures. This method is used to show how a test taker’s scores compare to their peers. For example, standardized tests for an elementary school student might show a percentage for each test section that indicates how many students in the same grade scored below or above the score.
Some standardized tests are scored against certain performance requirements. A target score can be determined and anything above or below that score would be considered a deviation. For example, it may be determined that a satisfactory score on a writing exam is equivalent to a score of three. Above-average essays would receive a score of four or greater, while lower submissions could receive a score of two or one.
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