Research and analysis

Review of double marking research: quality of marking

This report reviews the possible benefits of double marking over single marking. It covers studies from the 1940s to 2014.

• From: Ofqual
• Published: 14 February 2014

Applies to England

Documents

Review of Double Marking Research

Ref: Ofqual/14/5381

PDF, 343 KB, 15 pages

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Details

There is a strong body of evidence from the 1940s to 1980s that double marking is a more reliable method of marking than single marking. However, far fewer studies of double marking have been conducted in the last 20 years, and those studies suggest double marking is only slightly more reliable than single marking.

There are significant logistical and financial challenges associated with the implementation of double marking. If double marking generates only a small increase in the reliability of marking of current general qualifications, it may not justify the additional costs involved, particularly when other quality control methods may be more cost effective.

Published 14 February 2014