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Is it normal for a professor to give you better grades than what you earned because they feel like it? Why would they do that? For example, let's say you answered a question wrong during a practical, and they said try again and gave you full credit even though you answered the question wrong initially. Is this normal?
Some professors will give you credit and cut you some slack based on your effort. Most of them can tell when a student is committed to trying their best, and also that a few unlucky ones get extremely nervous during formal evaluations. Why do you ask?
I agree with you.
OP, I've found that if you clearly demonstrate a solid knowledge of the concepts during the classes, but are missing a higher grade by only a few percent, then the prof might choose to bump your grade up. Many profs understand that exams are not always the best indicator of knowledge. Although, it's less likely you'll find this type of leniency during the first year.
I think the ones that do this for the whole class just want to make themselves look good; in my state i'm pretty sure their pay is based on their students grades. (which I think is a really unfair idea for the teacher)
Professors are human. They understand the full range of human pain and suffering, and sometimes don't need to inflict that pain unnecessarily for a person whose unevaluated qualities like effort made them worthy of a better grade. Strictly speaking, though, I don't know whether it's normal or not; it depends from professor to professor.