What does ipsative scoring compare?

Ipsative scoring is a method of assessment that focuses on comparing an individual's current performance to their past performances. This approach allows for the evaluation of growth or change over time in an individual's abilities, skills, or knowledge. By analyzing how a student has improved or regressed compared to their own prior scores, educators and psychologists can gain insight into personal progress and development. This internal comparison is particularly useful for tailoring educational interventions and understanding each student's unique learning trajectory.

In contrast to this method, comparing performance to the class average focuses on how one student fares against their peers, which doesn't consider individual growth. Similarly, comparing scores across different testing populations looks at broader trends and differences among groups rather than focusing on singular personal developments. Lastly, measuring scores against established benchmarks relates to external standards and goals, which can be valuable, but this approach does not reflect an individual's personal progress. Therefore, the essence of ipsative scoring lies in its emphasis on an individual's historical data and personal improvement rather than external comparisons.