Scoring models are systematic methods that are applied to candidate responses. They map candidate responses into measurable score points, which allows for inferences to be drawn on the ability levels of candidate's knowledge or skill represented by the item.
Below are the different scoring methods currently present in the NCLEX and the question types that utilize them:
- 0/1 Scoring - Total score for a multi-point item is the sum of all correct responses.
- For all single response items, selecting the correct option (key) results in earning a point. Selecting an incorrect option (distractor) results in a score of zero.
- For multi-point items, the total score for the item is the sum of all the correct options.
- Matrix Multiple Choice - Each row is scored independently with the 0/1 scoring, and the score for the rows are summed together to get a total score for the item. As each row is scored with a 0 or a 1, the maximum score is the total number of rows provided. No penalty is implemented for selection of any distractors.
- Multiple Response 'Select N' - Each correct option is scored as 1 point and each incorrect option is scored as 0 points. Unlike the 'Select all that apply' (SATA) multiple response items, a candidate is not able to select more than the 'N' options specified in the item stem. No penalty is implemented for selecting an incorrect option.
- Drop-Down Cloze - One or more drop-down response options are embedded within a sentence or passage to create a cloze-type item. Each drop-down is worth 1 point and is conceptually identical to a multiple-choice item, though having a different response format. Points are accumulated by selecting the correct option in each drop-down. Selecting the incorrect option results in earning 0 points. The total item score is the sum of all drop-down scores.
- Drop-Down Table - This item type is similar to the drop-down cloze with the main difference being the drop-down elements are located within a table rather than a sentence or passage.
- Bowtie - Bowtie items will always have a maximum score of 5 points because there are 5 targets for the 5 correct tokens. Points are earned by selecting the correct tokens from their respective lists and placing them on the correct targets. Tokens for the 'Action to Take' and 'Parameter to Monitor' can be dropped in either of their respective targets.
- +/- Scoring - Points are earned by identifying and selecting the correct options. By contrast, points are subtracted when incorrect options are selection. This method is applied to multiple-point items where candidates are free to select as many or few options that apply for the item. The total score for the item is the sum of the correct options endorsed minus the sum of the incorrect options endorsed by the candidate. All negative total scores are rounded up to zero.
- Multiple Response (MR) Select All That Apply (SATA) - The total score for a multi-point item is the sum of all positive and negative points.
- Matrix MR -Scores are summed across columns (Matrix MR) or rows (MR Grouping) to generate the total score for the item. All negative column or row scores are rounded to 0 as each column or row is scored independently and therefore does not negatively impact surrounding rows or columns.
- Rationale Scoring - Earn points when both responses in the pair are correct. The rationale scoring rule is applied to items assessing paired information: concepts that require justification through a rationale. For example, 'a nurse must perform action X because of Y.'