Week: April 19-25 2009, Question 2

Week: April 19-25 2009, Question 2

What does the number grade on the school test really mean?

So what does that number grade you got on the school test really mean? To me, nothing. The number is supposed to be a percentile of the amount of questions you got right on the test. This would lead us to the conclusion that the test score can only go up to 100% right? Wrong, due to bonus questions and other odd extra credit things on the test you can get higher than 100%. If this doesn't make sense to you don't worry, you're not alone. The other odd thing is that on some tests you can actually get every question right and still not achieve 100%, how is this possible? I had a math teacher once that would take off points if you didn't show your "work" or the process from which you got the answer. To some that number is a measure of your intelligence in the subject. This also can be considered false when your teacher decides that participation in class adds to your final grade in the class. Now what participation has to do with your intelligence in the class i don't know.

So do those numbers accurately represent your intelligence in the class? or are they just ways of saying good job your smart? Let's hear your thoughts on this question.

Thought for the day: If my IQ is 640 on one test and 900 on another do i split the difference or add them together?