What are residual scores used to evaluate?

Residual scores are used to evaluate the gap between predicted and actual scores. In statistical analysis, a residual score is calculated by subtracting the predicted value from the actual value of a data point. This difference indicates how much the prediction deviates from what actually occurred.

In the context of educational assessment, these scores provide insights into the precision of predictive models or assessments used to forecast student performance. By analyzing these gaps, educators can identify specific areas where predictions are not aligning with student outcomes, which can lead to more informed instructional decisions and targeted interventions.

Understanding residual scores helps in refining models to improve predictions, ultimately enhancing educational practices.