Comparing attainments in related subjects at A level: How choice of subject affects grades achieved

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBNConference contribution with ISSN or ISBNpeer-review

Abstract

This paper compares academic performance in two subjects viewed as relatively close substitutes at A-level. The important role of GCSE achievement is confirmed for both subjects. There is evidence of strong gender effects and variation in outcomes across Examination Boards. A counterfactual exercise suggests that if the sample of Business Studies candidates had studied Economics nearly 40% of those who obtained a grade C or better would not have done so. The opposite exercise suggests that 12% more Economics candidates would have achieved a grade C or better if they had taken Business Studies. In order to render a Business Studies A level grade comparable to an Economics grade in terms of relative difficulty, we estimate that the downward adjustment of 1.5 UCAS points should be applied to the former subject. This adjustment is lower than that suggested by correction factors based on conventional subject-pairs analysis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe British education research association conference 2002
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2002
EventThe British education research association conference 2002 - Exerter, England
Duration: 1 Sept 2002 → …

Conference

ConferenceThe British education research association conference 2002
Period1/09/02 → …

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparing attainments in related subjects at A level: How choice of subject affects grades achieved'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this