RESEARCH MEMORANDUM

TO: ADD NAME
FROM: UOP LEARNING TEAM B
SUBJECT: FINAL RESEARCH REPORT
DATE: 4/11/2013

Executive Summary

The Research Report is an integrated project developed in parts by learning team B. The team acquired data that analyzes on why SAT scores have changed over time and what the score results are telling us today. The research focuses on analysis of the differences between two years, 2005 and 2011, by focusing on the individual state of North Carolina.
In addition, a comparison of SAT scores by state is used as a tool for useful information.
The problem statement reviews the data and frames the problem in a way that the available information can be used to explain the result. The background of the evaluation allows for the explanation of its environment and discovers problem, resolution with conclusion. Furthermore, the research question is answered at the completion of the research.

Problem Statement

The problem is that it is unknown if the decline in SAT scores from 2005 to 2011 is due to more participants taking the test and compared to other States in America.

Summary of Methodology

The research method used for this study was descriptive quantitative. The method is a formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical data is used to obtain data of the decline in SAT scores. The literature findings were obtained from the North Carolina 2005 SAT Report and the North Carolina 2011 SAT Report and are categorized in three parts; reading, mathematics, and writing. Another method of research used was qualitative research, but could not be used over the quantitative research because qualitative research measures only a classified into one group of categories such as gender or religious affiliations.

Summary of Results

The measurements indicate the higher the population of test-takers, the lower the average SAT scores in each state. Also the more the population of test-takers grows the greater chance of the pool of test-takers being from different backgrounds. Students from different backgrounds result in exceptionally different scores, which cause outliers in determining the average scores. The larger the population of test-takers, the lower the data can be symmetrical.

Summary of Conclusions

The results indicate one reason of decline in SAT scores in North Carolina is due to the increase in the amount of test takers. Research has shown that there has almost always been a decline in SAT scores since the 1960s. As the years went on there were more and more students considering going to college and taking the SAT examination. Since then, more students of different backgrounds participated in SAT examination; as a result, there are negative outliers in averaging the mean scores. This is because each background tends to score higher or lower than others. The increased amount of students and the lower scores from the different groups skewed the results. The team concluded that the results do not demonstrate that students are not getting the right education or being prepared for college, but more students are considering preparation for higher learning after high school. The literature review revealed that there were more students from different backgrounds participating in the SAT, particularly between the year 2005 and 2011. From the 1960s to 2011, there is evidence of decline in SAT scores because of an increase of students participating in the examination over the years.

Recommendations

As a result of this analysis is has been concluded that there have been a number of reasons as to why there is a decline in SAT scores from 2005 to 2011 in the state of North Carolina. It was determined that one major cause of the decline in SAT scores was due to the increase of test takers over the years. However, it is not a 100% guarantee that this is the only reason for the decline in SAT test scores. The following are a few recommendations that may further explain what can be done to determine this growing concern:

 More research should be done to determine the reasons behind the difference in SAT scores from 2005 to 2011 in the state of North Carolina.
 Determine if the public school system needs to make more of an effort to provide students with the right tools to produce better SAT scores.
 Establish a solid research model so that one may have the right guidelines to conduct the research needed.