Gap in University Students ’ Performance: a Study in a Malaysian Public University

Abstract: A body of literature has shown that testing students before their final examination serves as a motivational technique. These studies found that having test assessment would stimulates students ’ study effort and eventually improve their final examination score. Therefore, and arguably, students who performed well in their test assessment would reflect similar performance in their final examination. However, research has shown that students ’ scores in their test assessment may not be reflected in their final examination, creating a gap between the two scores. This study examines whether there is a gap in university accounting students’ performance between their test assessment score and their final examination score. If there is a gap between the two scores, this study further attempts to identify the factors that influence the gap between the two scores the gap. Four factors were chosen, namely, academic aptitude, preparation time, quantum of rewards offered and evaluation environment. Using questionnaire and secondary data of students ’ actual performance, this study provides evidence that there is a gap between the assessment score and the final examination score. Further findings show that out of the fou