The uses and abuses of cut scores are examined. The article demonstrates (1) that cut scores always entail judgment; (2) that cut scores inherently result in misclassification; (3) that cut scores impose an artificial dichotomy on an essentially continuous distribution of knowledge, skill, or ability; and (4) that no true cut scores exist. (SLD)

The contrasting groups method is one of many possible methods for setting passing scores. The most commonly used method is probably that developed by W. H. Angoff (1971), but it has been suggested that the Angoff method may not be appropriate for many standard setting applications in education. The contrasting groups method is explored as an…