What is a discrete scoring system?

A discrete scoring system refers to an evaluation method that assesses an individual's performance in a manner that recognizes varying degrees of correctness. In this context, the system allowing partial credit for correct attempts is indicative of a discrete scoring system, as it acknowledges that while a response may not be fully correct, there are elements that demonstrate understanding or skill. This approach is particularly useful in educational and behavior analysis settings, where not all responses need to be perfect to indicate competency or progress.

By allowing partial credit, evaluators can provide more nuanced feedback and track improvement over time, rather than applying a binary "correct or incorrect" standard. This encourages continued engagement and learning, as students see that their efforts are recognized even if the final answer isn't perfect.

The other options don't reflect the nature of a discrete scoring system: providing full credit only does not account for any merit in partial responses, averaging scores does not capture specific performance levels, and scoring based on behavior observations typically refers to qualitative assessments rather than a scoring system focused on discrete responses.