Presentational Dimensions and Marks Awarded to Assignments

Abstract

The convergence and rapid penetration into society of computing, telecommunications and information technology offer a wider range of possibilities than hitherto for the visual manipulation of an academic text submitted by a student. On the basis of a small scale experiment with 16 markers on a factorial design it was found that assignments presented in font size 12 were awarded higher marks than those presented in size 10. Also, those with 1.5 spacing between lines were awarded higher marks than those in single spacing. There was inconsistency in findings relating to differences between font types and justification of the text to a margin. These findings would need to be confirmed under different conditions since there are implications for markers, for marks earned and the ensuing academic status of a student. The increasing submission of work electronically and the expansion of business schools working on a virtual model highlight the topical importance of this enquiry.