Adjusting scores, frequently referred to as curving, modifies raw test results to better reflect a desired distribution or to compensate for factors affecting overall class performance. One common approach involves adding a fixed number of points to each student’s original score. For instance, if the highest score on a difficult exam is 85 out of 100, an instructor might add 15 points to everyone’s score, effectively making the highest score 100 and adjusting all other scores proportionally.
Score adjustment aims to mitigate issues arising from unexpectedly challenging assessments, ensuring fairer representation of student knowledge. It can also address discrepancies between the test’s difficulty and the course’s learning objectives. Historically, such adjustments have been employed to reduce the negative impact of outlier exams on students’ final grades, maintaining student motivation and a more accurate reflection of mastery.
