Areas of expertise

We 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 researchers pioneer the latest techniques and evaluate current assessments. Externally funded research is also undertaken for third parties including the regulators in the UK and many ministries overseas.

We conduct and publish authoritative research in order to validate, improve and develop our own assessments and services, and to influence thinking and policy on educational assessment both nationally and internationally.

Our research covers a wide range of themes in order to improve and develop our assessments, qualifications and services.

We have 10 core areas of expertise and you can find out more about each one in the sections below:

We have a strong history of research investigating how best to design assessments and ensure that they measure students’ knowledge, understanding and skills appropriately.

An important part of our research involves gathering and analysing evidence to ensure that all aspects of our examination process are as good as they can be.

Topics include investigation of trends in pass rates, patterns of achievement for different groups (for example, males and females), choice of examination subjects and progression through different assessment routes.

Topics covered include the comparability of computer and paper-based examinations and the development of new techniques for monitoring and improving the validity, reliability and efficiency of assessments.

Assessments need to be fit for purpose and should not lead to unintended consequences. Our research investigates the impact of assessment within educational contexts; in particular the impact exams and assessments have on those who take them.

Accurate and reliable marking is a cornerstone of valid assessment. Our research in this area ranges from developing new methods for monitoring the accuracy and reliability of markers, to in-depth studies of the psychology of marking. We also undertake research into machine marking.

The psychology of assessment is important for many reasons and we investigate a range of topics within in this area. Topics include how assessors’ and candidates’ minds work, their behaviours and how these factors interrelate.

Research underpins everything that we do. As experts in assessment, we choose, develop and evaluate methods which most effectively assess the objectives of our research.

Our research focuses on driving continual improvement and the maintenance of high standards. We also research other aspects including curriculum content, attainment and performance.

It is vital that all qualifications are valid, reliable, fair and fit for purpose. Research helps to ensure the quality of qualifications and ensures they are assessed using methods which are both valid and manageable.

Our publications

A102: Introducing Assessment Practice

A101: Introducing the Principles of Assessment

Areas of expertise

Assessment design

Evaluation of assessment

Examination statistics

E-assessment

Impact of assessment

Marking

Psychology of assessment

Research methods

Standards

Vocational assessment