The Paired Comparison Approach
This approach of having a reviewer look at two pieces of student work and determine which is better is different from other assessment methods, which rely on absolute judgments or rating a single item based on set criteria. This paired comparison approach is effective because comparative judgments are more concrete and easier to make than absolute judgments.
The paired comparison approach allows EdSteps:
1) To construct meaningful continuums ranging from novice to expert,
2) To determine where each piece of student work falls on the continuum, and
3) To compare the qualities of work at different locations on the continuum.
For more information about the process for reviewing work, please read our Technical Report. This report was created by our Technical Advisory Group, comprised of five of the nation's experts in psychometrics and testing measurement in the United States.