Declining Test Scores among Introductory Accounting Students: A Comparison of Mean Test Scores in Multi-Day Examination Periods
Matthew Mouritsen, Jefferson Davis

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect that a multi-day exam period has on average daily exam scores. The results suggested that the mean exam score on the first day of the exam period was higher than the mean exam score on the last day of the exam period. Likewise, the mean exam score on the first two days of the exam period was higher than the mean exam score of the last two days of the exam period. Multiple-day exam periods offer flexibility for students in scheduling when they will complete an exam. However, multiple-day exam periods result in lower mean scores at the end of the exam period when compared to the first of the period. Students should be advised of the potential impact on their performance by delaying the completion of an exam. This is important information for students since the authors found that more students take exams later in the exam period.

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