Student Performance Analysis

Frequency distribution graph


Frequency graph


This display shows the relative frequencies of pupils with different indicator scores. In this particular example the indicator score is the Edinburgh Reading test which operates on a scale of 70 to 130 and is used for comparison with GCSE. Similar graphs can be produced for A level using the GCSE mean grade as the indicator.

The indicator score ranges are shown along the x axis with the percentage frequency shown on the y axis. The figures above each column are the percentage frequency for each column.

The larger the sample population (number of pupils) the more likely the graph is to show an approximately normal distribution curve. With small populations the graph can be particularly useful in showing the spread of ability within a given group.

There may be quite marked differences in the distribution of ability between two groups even though the mean ability indicator scores are nearly the same.

Separate graphs can be produced according to gender, particularly useful when looking at gender differences in examination outcomes.


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