If I find a mistake on a quiz/exam, what should I do?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When approaching a question about what to do if you find a mistake on a quiz or exam, it's helpful to walk through each option and assess its validity.
Option 1: 'Make sure it is a mistake, and then tell the Prof right away.' This option promotes careful verification (to avoid flagging a correct item as mistaken) and communicates promptly with the instructor, which is generally the appropriate course of action. It aligns with common academic integrity and course policies that encourage students to seek clarification when something seems erroneous.
Option 2: 'Don’t tell the Prof, he might lower my score for begging.' This reflects a mistaken assumption that pointing out an error will automatically incur punishment or a penalty. In most educational contexts, bringing a potential error to the instructor’s attention is not considered begging; it’s part of a learning process and can lead to a fair reevaluation if warranted.
Option 3: 'It depends on whether the mistake makes my score go up or down.' While it can be tempting to weigh the impact, this mindset can bias the student toward only reporting issues that seem to benefit them. Responsible reporting should be based on accuracy and fairness, not on how it affects the current grade.
Option 4: 'Nothing, mistakes on quizzes are not a problem.' This viewpoint minimizes the importance of accuracy and could allow incorrect grading to persist. It overlooks the responsibility to ensure that assessment reflects true understanding and that errors are corrected.
In summary, option 1 correctly emphasizes verification and prompt communication with the instructor to address a potential error, while the other options either encourage avoidance, rely on bias, or dismiss the value of correcting mistakes.

MGS3100W10 Unit 0 Quiz- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

If I find a mistake on a quiz/exam, what should I do?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions