What does a raw score signify in an assessment context?

A raw score in an assessment context refers to the actual scores that students achieve on a test. This score represents the number of items answered correctly without any adjustments or conversions. It provides a direct measure of a student's performance based solely on their responses to the test items.

Understanding raw scores is essential as they form the foundation for further interpretations, such as calculating percentages or determining scaled scores. Unlike averages or percentages, which provide contextual information relative to other test-takers, a raw score directly reflects an individual's performance. Therefore, this understanding is crucial when analyzing assessment results and providing feedback on student learning.