Effect of Time Constraint on Test Scores

Effect of Time Constraint on Test Scores

Previous studies conducted by Pearson education suggests there is little difference between untimed tests and timed tests. Pearson research concludes that their results have demonstrated an understanding of how long timed tests should be to promote effective results from the students. Another study conducted by Joanne M. Tsui and Michèle M. M. Mazzocco suggested that timed tests produced worse scores only when the timed tests were administered first. An excerpt from a book written by Cathy L. Seeley suggests that timed tests negatively affect kids. She shares a story about a boy who struggled with a timed mathematics test, unable to finish his test the boy failed.  But later he had no problem answering a worksheet, correctly, with questions related to his previously tested material.  Cathy shares that timed tests are flawed and damaging to oneself. This relates to my idea that timed tests are not an accurate representation of one’s knowledge. The reason I have chosen this specific topic is to demonstrate that timed tests are inaccurate displays of one’s knowledge. I have always disagreed with the idea of timed exams because one seems to be more preoccupied with finishing the test than actually taking time to answer correctly. I have designed this experiment to demonstrate that untimed tests provide greater and more accurate results regarding one’s knowledge. I will be looking at different factors regarding untimed and timed tests such as gender and age of the subjects, and whether or not they are affected differently.

Research question:

Can time constraint affect one’s test scores?

Variables:

Materials:

• Timer
• Calculator (basic calculator nothing scientific or beyond)
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Scrap paper
• Notebook/pad to record results
• 2 different math tests (20 BEDMAS questions each)
• Answer key for both tests
• Work space (desk/table)
• Earplugs (optional)

Procedure:

*ensure subject(s) are in a quiet distraction free environment*

1. Give the subject a pencil, eraser, calculator and scrap paper

2. Administer the first test

*tell subject they have as much time as they need*

3. When the subject has finished the first test collect it and record their results

4. Once results have been collected set the timer for 5 minutes (Do not start the timer yet)

5. Administer the second test and start the timer

6. When the timer ends take test from subject completed or not

7. Record results for the second test and whether or not they completed the test in time

Data collection should look like this:

Subjects     |        Test 1 (score) |        Test 2 (score) |        Finished

1.                         ?/20                    ?/20                  Yes/No

2.                      ?/20             ?/20                   Yes/No…

Raw Data:

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