Understanding DoExam's Scoring Systems: Normal Scoring vs. Normal Distribution

Understanding DoExam's Scoring Systems: Normal Scoring vs. Normal Distribution

In the field of assessing exams, different methods are used to measure how well individuals perform. DoExam currently uses two scoring systems: Normal Scoring and Normal Distribution. While Normal Scoring is a familiar and straightforward method, Normal Distribution adopts a different application and approach, focusing on the overall performance distribution. In this article, we will explore how both systems work using a hypothetical math exam. Our goal is to explain their differences, benefits, and uses in evaluating student performance.

Normal Scoring System

As the name suggests, the Normal Scoring System is a straightforward and widely used method for calculating exam scores. Imagine you are taking a math exam with three sections: Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus, each worth 100 points. Let us see how Normal Scoring works in action:

Individual Section Scores

You score 80 points in Algebra, 90 points in Geometry, and 70 points in Calculus. Each individual section score is converted into a percentage by dividing the points earned by the total possible points and multiplying by 100. So, you scored 80% in Algebra, 90% in Geometry, and 70% in Calculus.

Overall Exam Result

But what about your overall score? Normal Scoring calculates this by taking the average (mean) of the individual section scores, considering their respective weights. Let us say Algebra carries 3 weight, Geometry 4, and Calculus 3. Your overall score would be:

Overall Result = (3 * 80) + (4 * 90) + (3 * 70)/10 = 240 + 360 + 210/10 = 81

As you can see, Normal Scoring offers a transparent and clear-cut way to determine your performance on each section and the overall exam. 

Normal Distribution System

While the Normal Scoring System provides a transparent approach, the Normal Distribution Scoring System takes a more statistical route, considering the overall performance of all exam-takers. Let us revisit our math exam example to grasp this method:

Individual Section Scores

Imagine you scored 80 points in Algebra on an exam where the mean score was 75 points and the standard deviation was 10 points in each section. Compared to the Normal Scoring system, where everyone gets the same points for 80, the Normal Distribution method accounts for your score's position relative to others. Since your score is one standard deviation above the mean in Algebra, you might receive additional points depending on the specific distribution used.

Understanding Standard Deviation: Imagine the scores of all exam-takers in a given section forming a bell-shaped curve, with the mean score at the peak. The standard deviation represents the spread of scores around the mean. A lower standard deviation indicates scores clustered closer to the mean, while a higher one shows more variation.

Overall Exam Result

Similar to the Normal Scoring System, your overall score is calculated using a weighted average. However, the individual section scores obtained through the Normal Distribution method (considering your position within the overall distribution) are used instead of raw scores. 

Key Differences

While both systems calculate weighted averages, they differ in how they treat individual scores:

  1. Normal Scoring: Awards the same points for a specific score regardless of the overall distribution amongst participant.
  2. Normal Distribution Scoring: Considers your score's position relative to the entire exam (or a specific group), potentially awarding more points for scores above the mean and vice versa. 

Benefits of Normal Distribution Scoring

  1. Provides a more discerning understanding of individual performance by considering relative standing within the exam participants.
  2. Can be used to adjust for variations in difficulty between different exam versions or sections.

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