What are residual scores used to evaluate?

Residual scores are used to evaluate the gap between predicted and actual scores. They measure the difference between what a model predicts a student's score to be and what the student actually achieved. By calculating these residuals, educators can identify how well their predictions align with real outcomes. This information is essential for understanding the effectiveness of different teaching strategies, assessing individual student performance, and refining instructional approaches based on data. It provides insights into whether a student is performing as expected based on various predictive models, highlighting areas where interventions may be needed.

The other options, while related to assessment and performance, do not accurately describe the specific purpose of residual scores. They may focus on broader constructs like teaching effectiveness or overall student performance without pinpointing the predictive accuracy that residual scores evaluate.