 The use of differential weighting and discounting in degree algorithms and their impact on classification inflation and equity: A further analysisDavid O Allen ()
Working Papers from Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Bristol Abstract: This paper offers a critical analysis of how differential weighting and discounting in UK university degree algorithms are contributing to classification inflation. It shows that by their very nature the use of differential weighting and discounting favour one particular group of students whose mark attainment is relatively inconsistent. In this study, 20 different algorithms are applied to two sets of individual marks and those of a programme as a whole. In the case of the individual set of marks, the degree classification can be unaffected or can range from an upper second (62.25%) to a first (70.72%). For a programme including borderline adjustments the proportion of first class honours that could be awarded can range from 16% to 37%. In aggregate, 93 (44%) students in this sample (n = 211) receive a different degree classification depending on which of algorithm is applied or because of borderline adjustments. Date: 2018-01-03 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:uwe:wpaper:20181803 Access Statistics for this paper More papers in Working Papers from Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Bristol Contact information at EDIRC. |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.