AMERICAN TITLES AND DISTINCTIONS. 



317 



nected, he made an investigation two years ago which showed that, 

 taking into consideration all subjects of study available for the degree 

 of bachelor of arts, the average grade of the average student under the 

 average professor was 86 per cent., and that the most usual certificate 

 conferred for successful work was a so-called 'certificate of distinction.' 

 The curve of distribution is shown in contrast with the probability 

 curve. According to this investigation it may be expected that about 

 one student out of 200 or more will attain maximum grade. Out of 

 100 students about 10 may be expected to attain a grade of 95; 21 



2a 30 ^0 ^ Co 70 S^o ?o 



The Probability Curve has its Maximum at 50 Per Cent. ; that of Distribution of 

 Students' Grades at 86 Per Cent. The Axis of Number of Students is Vertical ; that 

 OF Percentage Grades is Horizontal. 



will attain 90; 22 will attain 85. The slope of this unsymmetrical 

 curve is thus very steep at the right. At the left of the maximum 

 ordinate the slope is much more gentle, less than one twentieth of all 

 grades assigned being below 60 per cent. In this connection it should 

 be observed that the passing mark is 75. The area at the left of the 

 dotted line corresponding to 75 is seen to be about one fifth of the 

 whole area enclosed by the curve. This shows twenty per cent, of 

 failures. Such a radical change of custom as that of substituting 20 

 or 25 for 75 as the passing mark, however desirable on account of its 

 convenience and consistency, would be so misunderstood by both the 

 students and the general public as to make a trial of the experiment 

 very impolitic. The tendency to raise marks would at once re-assert 

 itself, and very soon the majority of students would again be recorded 

 with grades corresponding to the highest distinction. 



This tendency to high marking is inherent in human nature. Every 

 professor wishes to be at least as fair, at least as generous, as his con- 

 science may permit; and he is apt to regard his own teaching at 

 least as good as that of his colleagues. Every student wishes credit 

 for the best he has done, and is at least willing to have his short- 

 comings excused. He considers the professor who gives him a high 

 mark to be eminently fair ; and the professor who remembers all short- 

 comings is thought to be unsympathetic and inconsiderate. To receive 



