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Placing candidates who take differentiated papers on a common grade scale

By Frances Good, Mike Cresswell

Abstract

Three methods of transferring marks from differentiated papers examinations on to a common grade scale are compared. Equipercentile scaling and linear scaling prior to grading gave very similar grades; but grading the different versions of the examination separately, without scaling the component marks for difficulty, resulted in the award of different grades to a substantial proportion of the candidates.

The advantages and shortcomings of each method are considered and also whether a scaling method or separate grading is to be preferred. It is concluded that a scaling method should be used, and that the grades from linear scaling are likely to be the most satisfactory.

How to cite

Good, F. and Cresswell, M. (1988). Placing candidates who take differentiated papers on a common grade scale, Educational Research, Vol. 30, Iss. 3.  

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