correction for guessing

a scoring rule for multiple-choice tests such that the expected value of getting an item correct under the assumption of no knowledge is 0 rather than 1/n, where n is the number of alternatives. Thus, if a test taker incorrectly answered four questions, a further 4/n would be deleted from his or her score. By thereby penalizing inaccurate responses, the correction discourages a test taker from guessing and provides a better estimate of that person’s true ability.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

brain abscess

a circumscribed collection of pus that may occur in any part of the brain and, depending on its location, may produce deficits in any neurological function. Brain abscesses are often secondary to infections.