Inbuilt biases and the problem of algorithms

Inbuilt biases and the problem of algorithms | Letters

Letters: The formula used to determine A-level results did not adhere to ethical principles, write a group of academics, while Dr John Elsom says the fiasco illustrates the government’s misuse of algorithms. Plus letters from Paul Clarke and Calix Eden.

This article details the algorithm used to inform A Level results for students who could not take exams due to the 2020 pandemic. The algorithm took into account the postcode of the student, which meant that students from lower income areas were more likely to have their grade reduced whilst students in high-income areas were likely to see their grades increased.