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.
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:
As you can see, Normal Scoring offers a transparent and clear-cut way to determine your performance on each section and the overall exam.
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:
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.While both systems calculate weighted averages, they differ in how they treat individual scores: