PaperSurvey can automatically grade responses by comparing them against an answer key you define. This is useful for quizzes, tests, assessments, and any survey where there are correct answers.
Setting up an answer key
- Open Survey Settings and turn on Activate test grading in the Grading section
- Back in the editor, click the tools icon next to the question you want to grade and choose Answer Key
- Tick the correct option(s) and set how many points a correct answer is worth (1 point by default)
- Optionally, select specific incorrect options and set negative points to deduct for choosing them
- Repeat for all graded questions
In the Grading section of Survey Settings you can also set an optional Pass threshold percentage. When set, a Pass/Fail status is shown in results, in exports, and to respondents after they submit a web survey.
How grading works
When responses are processed (either from scanned paper or web submissions), PaperSurvey compares each response against your answer key and calculates a score.
- Each correctly answered question earns the points you assigned to it (1 by default)
- Incorrect answers can optionally deduct points if you configured deductions
- The total score is calculated automatically
- Results are available in the responses tab and in exports
- If you update an answer key later, scores for all existing responses are recalculated
Supported question types
Grading works with:
- Single choice - One correct option
- Multiple choice - One or more correct options
- Grid questions - Each row of a single or multiple choice grid has its own answer key
Text-based questions (short text, long text) and number fields are not auto-graded, as they require subjective evaluation or manual review.
Viewing grades
After processing, you can see grades in several places:
- Responses tab - Each entry shows its score
- Exports - Score columns are included in Excel, CSV, and SPSS exports
- Analysis - Create charts to visualize score distributions
Use cases
- Classroom tests - Print and distribute exams, scan responses, and get instant grades
- Training assessments - Evaluate employee knowledge before and after training
- Certification exams - Score standardized assessments at scale
- Quizzes and competitions - Grade quiz answers automatically