You have just completed the LSAT and scored 85. Your roommate, who is no smarter than you, took the LSAT with you and scored 165. You were so upset with your score that you decide to take the test again and you convince your roommate to take it with you for moral support. You both receive scores on the second exam of 120. What accounts for the differences in scores?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phenomenon of statistical regression can explain the differences in scores. This is the tendency for extreme scores to move toward the mean upon retesting. Since your initial score was significantly lower than your roommate's, it is more likely to regress toward the mean on the second test, while your roommate's score, which was already closer to the mean, will not have as significant of a change.

You Have Just Completed the LSAT and Scored 85