Pass/fail versus A-F grading: a comparative study

This study compared achievement when one half of a class was assigned to take a course on a pass/fail basis and the other half received a letter grade. The unique characteristics were as follows: (1) students were assigned to A-F and pass/fail groups rather than allowed to choose the grading system, (2) virtually no other course competed for study time, and (3) the course constituted a major field of study for the student. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups in achievement on three separate examinations.