Using threshold values means that the grader(s) will award points to each question as opposed to grades. Based on the total number of points achieved by the candidate, the grading scale and the threshold values, a grade is automatically generated in Inspera Assessment. The grader can easily override the suggested grade.
When setting up an exam using a question set with at least one automatic question, Inspera Assessment auto-generates threshold values based on the chosen grading scale and the maximum possible score in the chosen question set. The threshold values are generated based on the following general distribution (for the A-F grading scale):
- To get an "A" you must have at least 83 % correct score.
- To get a "B" you must have at least 66 % correct score.
- To get a "C" you must have at least 50 % correct score.
- To get a "D" you must have at least 33 % correct score.
- To get an "E" you must have at least 16 % correct score.
- If you have less than 16 % correct score you get an "F".
Threshold values can also be used in manually graded exams, i.e. to make the grading process easier.
Important issues when considering threshold values:
- The threshold values are initially set by the Planner role
- The decision on whether threshold values should be used is made in the preparation process
- The threshold values can be removed or changed by the planner after the test has started, and before grading is confirmed.
What happens when you update or change the question set before the test starts?
There are two different options for the default behaviour that you can choose from. These are set up for your account and will apply to all tests. Please contact Service Desk if you want to change the setting for your account.
1. Keep threshold values if maximum marks in the question set has not changed (default setting).
As long as the maximum marks in the question set is the same as the previous version, any changes in the distribution will be kept, and not reset.
2. Reset threshold values to default when question set is updated or changed (optional setting).
This will reset the threshold values to the original distribution every time a change in question set is detected and applied. This applies to all changes, and even if the author just corrects spelling mistakes without changing scoring on any questions, the threshold values will still reset.
How to set, and change threshold values
The first setup is done in the planning stage of the test. See Part 5 in create an Inspera Assessment test.
The threshold values will be generated automatically when they are set, but they can also be changed to another distribution. Note that the planners and graders also can change the distribution during the grading process.
If the test consists of manually marked questions, the threshold values must be actively enabled by the planner if required.
If a test consists of at least one automatically marked question, then threshold values are required.
Changing threshold values after the test has started
After the test is finished there are two options for where the planner can change the threshold values.
- The first one is Assessment settings in Deliver where the threshold values were originally set.
- Open the test in the grading tool.
- New grading tool: Click on Options to the upper right, and then Threshold values under Settings
- Classic grading tool: Under Details -> Threshold values, there is a shortcut; "Edit in candidates list". This will open the candidate list and allows editing of the threshold values.
Opening the candidate list from Details -> Submissions is read only, and from here you can see the threshold values, but not edit them.
- New grading tool: Click on Options to the upper right, and then Threshold values under Settings