Maybe a stupid question...?

Topic: Assignment 2 discussion and queries Date: 19 January 2007 6:32 PM
Subject: Scoring - Maybe a stupid question...? Author: Mondy, Steven

What is the advantage of scoring a test out of 100, as opposed to dividing by the total and working out a percentage?
I was wondering about this, and can see one advantage of scoring out of 100. That is, it is clearer for the test taker to see the division of scores between the sections, and between various parts. For instance, you may divide up your test into various sections based on a certain taxonomy - such as knowledge vs. application. Also for the untrained eye, it's easier to see the weighting given to various parts, and decide how much effort will be required for each section.
Then there's the marker, who may not be the person who designed the test. They can see the breakdown very clearly after the administration of the test, how much emphasis is placed on various sections...
In spite of this, I'd like to ask everyone if it is necessary to have the total = 100?
Steve