Re: [Phys-l] Physics First Revisited

[Jack Uretsky <jlu@hep.anl.gov>]

Hi all-
	I thank Joel for his concurrence in the necessity of taking 
precautions against students who answer exam questions on the basis of 
memorized clues (problem order or numerical answer) instead of analysis.
					Regards,
						Jack

On Tue, 3 Feb 2009, Rauber, Joel wrote:

> Jack U. wrote in part:
>
>        This problem does not arise with the AP; the exams are sealed
> until given.  There are other techniques for maintaining the validity of
> an exam, such as individualizing the numerical values in the problems by
> using random entries for each exam (given on the net).  This technique
> would not apply to exams that ask questions like: Which vehicle moves
> faster?
>
> I'm not so sure that randomizing numbers, "individualizing the numerical
 values" maintains the validity in the sense indicated above.  In an ideal
 world, i.e. one with algebra savvy students, this would do close to nothing
 to maintaining the validity.  Sadly we are far from an ideal world;
 so there probably is some rationale towards this method of maintaining
 the said validity.  Naturally, IMNSHO.
> Joel
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