Mapping the OfQual algorothm, A socio-technical analysis of an algorithm used to grade students

As algorithms are becoming a more and more important part of our lives, the harms caused by those become more frequent. Understanding how such systems can be biased and the consequences of their implementation within society is thus crucial to prevent further harm. Building on classic STS approaches, we will try to develop and apply new methodologies to the study of algorithms to understand them as part of our societies. First, we will study how to approach algorithms with an STS perspective. Then, we will apply those approaches to the study of the OfQual algorithm used to grade students in England in the summer of 2020. As that algorithm was accused of being discriminatory, its study will allow us to render visible its inner workings and explore the reasons of the resulting fiasco.