For researchers, Cambridge Assessment can provide a wealth of information ranging from authoritative views on current assessment topics to long term research underpinned by more than 150 years of experience.
Our Research Division conducts and publishes authoritative research in order to validate, improve and develop Cambridge Assessment’s assessments and services, and to influence thinking and policy on educational assessment. We research a wide range of assessment issues working with colleagues across the Group to provide a sound evidence base.
We have planned lines of work within a rolling programme which allows flexibility and reactive research capacity. A programme of research is planned in consultation with our three exam boards and we work to ensure that we provide the support that is needed.
There are four main strands of research: Educational Measurement; Comparability and Standards; Education; and Innovation.
Research topics
• gender, social, context bias
• coursework / internal assessment issues
• vocational assessments
• question difficulty
• awarding standards
• test design
• 14-19 Reform
• methods for evaluating the quality of general and vocational qualifications, including their reliability and validity
• comparability and grading standards
• studies relating to markers and marking
• the development of better methods of using judgments to set or compare standards
• the development of improved methods for monitoring marking and screening results
• research relating to Higher Education aptitude tests
• research involving large-scale national databases
• electronic marking
• e-testing
Research resources
Published articles and journal papers
A list of references to research from Cambridge Assessment published in third party Journals and Publications. N.B. Access to this research is likely to require subscriptions to third party publications.
Published Articles and Journal Papers
Conference papers
Downloadable research papers from Cambridge Assessment. These research papers have been previously presented at conferences around the world.
Statistical reports
Examinations generate large volumes of statistical data (approximately 800,000 candidates sit general qualifications each year). The objective of this series is to provide statistical information about the system.
Research Matters
Is a biannual publication from Cambridge Assessment. The aim of this publication is to share assessment research in a range of fields with the wider assessment community and to comment on prominent research articles. It includes short summaries as well as more lengthy articles and papers reporting on current and completed research.
Viewpoints
Our series of Viewpoints offer high level discussion on topics impacting on the world of assessment which are backed by evidence-based and research-led approaches.
Events
Researchers can further their knowledge by attending various Cambridge Assessment Conferences and Seminars
Language learning research from Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge ESOL exams are supported by the largest dedicated research team of any UK-based provider of English language assessment. The Cambridge ESOL Public Website contains more information.
Website features: RSS, email newsletter and searching
Various features of this website were built with our research community in mind. We make use of RSS to enable you to Stay up to date with ease. Our email newsletter delivers Assessment related information straight to your inbox.
You can search this website and each of the exam boards websites, by using the search box on the top right of every page. You can even filter results to show only results relevant to Research.
