What does a ceiling effect indicate in test scores?

What does a ceiling effect indicate in test scores?

• A. Scores are widely distributed
• B. Clustering of scores at the low end
• C. Clustering of scores at the high end
• D. High variability in scores across a population

Answer: (C)

A ceiling effect indicates that a significant number of test scores are clustering at the high end of the scoring range. This phenomenon occurs when a test has challenges or limitations in distinguishing among high-performing individuals because the majority achieve near-perfect or maximum scores. Consequently, these high scores limit the ability to measure differences in higher-level performance accurately, as it becomes difficult to identify which individuals are performing better than others, given that many are achieving similar top scores. This clustering reflects the ceiling effect clearly and points to a potential need for a more challenging assessment to differentiate among those with high aptitude.

A ceiling effect indicates that a significant number of test scores are clustering at the high end of the scoring range. This phenomenon occurs when a test has challenges or limitations in distinguishing among high-performing individuals because the majority achieve near-perfect or maximum scores. Consequently, these high scores limit the ability to measure differences in higher-level performance accurately, as it becomes difficult to identify which individuals are performing better than others, given that many are achieving similar top scores. This clustering reflects the ceiling effect clearly and points to a potential need for a more challenging assessment to differentiate among those with high aptitude.