In response to Paul Treanor: you neglected to mention the
significance of gender, as well as a whole range of other biases that
exist (I've found in the past, for example, that pink dreadlocks do
not impress examiners). I don't think it is taboo to mention the
extensive research that has been undertaken in these areas; many of
us are aware of it. I'd be interested to know how many
institutions/departments have followed the path of anonymous marking
to combat the very problems you have highlighted. Again,
there is a growing literature on the merits and demerits of this
strategy...
Cheryl
Paul Treanor wrote:
Why is it such a taboo to refer to all the research in this area,
which has been replicated in so many countries? Research which
suggests time and time again that students are given marks for:
1] parents social class
2] parents income
3] parents tertiary educational achievments
4] ethnic origin
5] parents status as migrant
Correlation is not cause, I know. But it makes me suspicious if any
academic ignores a whole body of research, because it would cast doubt on
their own motives.
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