Scoring System Flashcards

Which statistical measure is most commonly used to set the 'average' performance benchmark when norming a GAT score?

Answer: Mean

The mean (arithmetic average) is the most commonly used measure to establish the benchmark for norm-referenced scoring.

A test-taker receives a GAT score report showing a 'confidence interval' around their score. What is the purpose of this interval?

Answer: To indicate measurement error and the likely range of their true score

A confidence interval reflects the standard error of measurement, showing the range within which the test taker's true score likely falls.

If a GAT section has 40 questions and a student answers 30 correctly, what is their raw score for that section?

Answer: 30

The raw score equals the number of correct answers, which is 30 in this case.

What does it mean when GAT scores are described as 'norm-referenced'?

Answer: Scores are interpreted relative to the performance of a reference group

Norm-referenced scoring compares an individual's performance to that of a defined group, not to a fixed standard.

In which situation would a student's GAT scaled score increase even if their raw score stayed the same?

Answer: If they retook the test on a harder test form

If a harder test form is equated upward, the same raw score may convert to a higher scaled score to maintain fairness.

Which GAT score type is most useful for comparing a student's performance to college admissions benchmarks?

Answer: Scaled score

Scaled scores are standardized across test forms and are the scores used for admissions decisions and benchmarks.

What is the purpose of 'item analysis' in the development of GAT scoring rubrics?

Answer: To evaluate how well individual questions distinguish between high and low performers

Item analysis uses statistics like item discrimination to assess whether each question effectively differentiates students at different ability levels.