For which purpose are descriptive statistics commonly used in assessment?

Descriptive statistics are employed in assessment primarily to summarize and interpret test scores, providing a clear overview of data collected. This involves calculating measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, which help convey the central tendency and variability of student performance. By utilizing these statistics, educators can easily identify trends or patterns in the data, facilitating informed decision-making regarding instruction and student support.

In contrast, while evaluating lesson plans, creating standardized tests, or setting classroom goals may involve implications from assessment data, those activities are not the primary function of descriptive statistics. They focus instead on presenting the data meaningfully to describe overall performance rather than directly influencing the creation or evaluation of educational tools or objectives. Thus, the key role of descriptive statistics is rooted in summarizing and interpreting test scores effectively.