Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Bertola,Giuseppe 
Author-Email: giuseppe.bertola@unito.it
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Turin
Author-Workplace-Homepage: http://www.est.unito.it/
Title: Retake Opportunities, Pass Probabilities, and Preparation for Exams"
Abstract: Additional retake opportunities generally increase the probability of eventually pass-
ing a given threshold at given competence, and decrease preparation for exams.
Preparation work performed before the Örst attempt may increase only for very
weak students, and may decline so much as to decrease the total pass probability
only for very strong students. If additional preparation is possible before retaking a
failed exam, it is optimal for students to make early attempts without much prepa-
ration. Some will be lucky enough to pass, and others will make many attempts
after gradually improving preparation. Hence, plentiful retake opportunities reduce
the reliability of exam results as an indicator of competence, and increase the cost
of taking and administering exams for students and teachers.
Length: pages 31
Creation-Date: 2024-01
File-URL: https://www.est.unito.it/do/home.pl/Download?doc=/allegati/wp2024dip/wp_01_2024.pdf
File-Format: Application/PDF
Handle: RePEc:uto:dipeco:202401