Question about SAT curves

<p>Ok this is a big argument within my family. Does the SAT curve scores by comparing the scores of everyone within that one testing date or do they develop the curve before the test has been taken. If you could provide me with concrete evidence it would be helpful. thank you.</p>

<p>don't have concrete evidence, but I hear people on CC saying that scales are predetermined. They do not do the statistical thing after the test. However, since all of the test questions were on experimental sections on previous tests, they do the stats calculations using the experimental section data.</p>

<p>"However, since all of the test questions were on experimental sections on previous tests, they do the stats calculations using the experimental section data."</p>

<p>I have also heard that this is how it works, the curve is pre-determined using the results from the experimental sections on the previous tests, but this doesn't seem right, or fair to me (although why should the CB be fair) to use data from the old test on the new one. Why? The older test was shorter and required a lot less concentration and endurance than the new one. My guess is that if you gave the exact same questions on the new as on the old, people would do slightly worse on the same questions on the new test since by hour #4 a certain amount of concentration is lost.</p>

<p>it's definitely pre-determined...this is why for example on the jan 22nd test, when the cty kids who were taking it for scholarships in 8th had the same types of tests we did, it was totally pre-determined, some people thought that the curve would be better since the kids are taking it, but it made no difference whatsoever, the curve is always pre-determined.</p>

<p>Is it just me or does anyone else feel that there is something wrong with this?</p>

<p>Ask any seniors members, for example, xiggi will also tell you that it is pre-determined, there was a thread on this topic in jan right after the test i believe, check that out.</p>

<p>ohhh, sorry i just edited this after reading the post right after mine, lol sorry about that.</p>

<p>I believe you. When I asked if anyone else thought there was something wrong with this, I didn't mean your answer, I meant does anyone else think that there is something wrong with the system.</p>

<p>curve should be really good for writing</p>