What type of graph represents the score distribution of the OAT?

The score distribution of standardized tests like the OAT is typically represented by a bell curve, also known as a normal distribution. This type of graph illustrates how scores are spread out across a population. In a bell curve, most of the scores cluster around the average or mean, creating the characteristic bell shape. This means that a majority of test-takers score near the average, while fewer individuals score very low or very high, illustrating the statistical concept of normal distribution.

This distribution is particularly useful in assessing how a group performs as a whole and allows for comparisons between individual scores and the average performance. The bell curve provides insights into the overall performance of candidates and establishes benchmarks for the scores considered average or exceptional.

Other graph types, such as pie charts, line graphs, or bar graphs, do not effectively represent a score distribution because they do not convey the same statistical properties and patterns seen in a bell curve. A pie chart is more suited for showing proportions of a whole, a line graph depicts trends over time, and a bar graph typically compares categorical data rather than continuous data like test scores. Thus, the bell curve is the most appropriate representation of score distributions for tests such as the OAT.