Initial correction versus negative marking in multiple choice examinations. (23rd July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Hecke, Tanja
• Is Part Of: Teaching mathematics and its applications. Volume 34:Number 3(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2015-07-23
• Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Periodicals; Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; 510.712
• DOI: 10.1093/teamat/hrv011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-3679

Abstract

Abstract : Optimal assessment tools should measure in a limited time the knowledge of students in a correct and unbiased way. A method for automating the scoring is multiple choice scoring. This article compares scoring methods from a probabilistic point of view by modelling the probability to pass: the number right scoring, the initial correction (IC) and the negative marking (NM) method. We will compare the probabilities for students to pass when their assessment is translated into a score by means of the NM and the IC method. Moreover, given a knowledge level of the student, the variance of this probability will be discussed for both methods.