Ofqual publishes report on public perceptions of reliability in exam results
Friday, 22 October 2010 11:39
Ofqual has today (Friday, October 22) published the latest report from its on-going research programme into the reliability of results from national tests and qualifications used in England.
The report, A quantitative investigation into public perceptions of reliability in examination results in England, is now available on the Ofqual website.
Some of the findings in the report have already been published in a paper presented at the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) conference in August by Ofqual’s Director of Standards Dennis Opposs.
The report is part of Ofqual's work to research public understanding and opinion of reliability in examination results. An online questionnaire was used to measure different aspects of respondents' knowledge of and attitudes towards this issue among three key stakeholder groups: A level teachers, A level students aged 16-18, and employers.
Among the key findings detailed in the report are:
- There is substantial variability in the understanding of reliability concepts and attitudes to reliability in examination results among the respondents
- The majority of respondents appeared to understand the assessment process and the factors that affect students’ performances in an examination and, to a degree, the factors that could introduce uncertainty
- Improving marking was seen as a major factor that could increase the reliability of results
- The level of tolerance of potential inaccuracy was, to some degree, related to the level of knowledge about the examinations system
The reliability programme is due to finish in December 2010.
Notes to editors
- The report can be downloaded from A quantitative investigation into public perceptions of reliability in examination results in England
- For more information please contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552 out of hours
- More informaton about Ofqual's reliability programme can be found at http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/research-and-statistics/92-articles/20-reliability
