Scantron
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scantron is a company, based in the Irvine, California, that makes and sells (1) machine-readable papers on which pupils and students mark their answers to academic test questions, (2) the machines to grade them, (3) Survey and Test Scoring systems, and (4) Image based data collection software and scanners. Scantron's latest scanner, the Clarity, is a unique hybrid capable of both OMR scanning as well as functioning as a TWAIN imaging scanner.
The traditional Scantron test scoring system usually takes the form of a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-bubble form of varying length and width, ranging from single-column, 50-answer tests, to forms of several 8.5×11-inch pages used in standardized testing, such as the SAT and the ACT. The forms are read optically, using optical mark recognition to detect markings in each place, in a "Scantron Machine", which tabulates results. Earlier versions were sensed electrically.
Commonly, there are two sides to Scantron answer sheets. They can contain 50 answer blanks, 100 answer blanks, and so on. A smaller form, called a "Quiz Strip", provides answer space for only about 20 questions. On the back of larger sheets is a space in which answers to other kinds of questions can be written. The 8.5×11-inch form may contain a larger area for working math problems, write long-hand answers, etc. Answers "A" and "B" are commonly used for "True or False" questions.
Almost anyone in the United States and Canada who has taken an exam will have experience with Scantron sheets, especially their instructions for use, from "Do not make any stray marks on the answer sheet" and "Fill in each circle/square completely. To change your answer completely erase the mark", to "Please use a number 2 pencil."
Grading of Scantron sheets is performed first by creating an answer key. The answer key is simply a standard Scantron answer sheet with all of the correct answers filled in, along with the "key" rectangle at the top of the sheet.
The key is fed into the Scantron machine, which stores the correct answers in the memory. Further sheets fed are graded according to the key in memory. Switching the machine off stops the paper feed and clear the memory. Incorrect answers are marked with a red dash, or the correct answer, down the left side of the paper. In this way, students see which questions they answered correctly. The number of correct answers is printed on the form.
A photocopied Scantron form will not work, because the printed image is too dark. It is, however, possible to print forms that will work in the Scantron machine from a personal computer's printer, if a properly made grayscale master is available.
An urban myth holds that application of ChapStick down the side of the Scantron sheet where the machine marks incorrect answers will result in a perfect score, at least on that side of the form. There is no compelling evidence that this really works; many students have tried it to no avail.[1]
