A test score that indicates a student performed better than 80% of their peers is an example of a:
AA. Criterion-referenced score
BB. Standardized score
CC. Norm-referenced score
DD. Diagnostic score
Answer:
C. C. Norm-referenced score
Read Explanation:
Understanding Norm-Referenced Scores
- A norm-referenced score indicates how a student's performance compares to a predefined 'norm group' or a representative sample of peers.
- The core idea is to rank individuals relative to others who took the same test or a similar test.
- The example given, performing better than 80% of peers, is a classic illustration of a percentile rank, which is a common type of norm-referenced score.
Key Characteristics and Examples
- Comparison Group: Performance is interpreted in relation to a specific group (the norm group) that previously took the test. This group is often large and representative of the target population.
- Relative Performance: These scores tell you where an individual stands within a group, not necessarily what skills or knowledge they have mastered.
- Common Examples:
- Percentile Ranks: Indicate the percentage of individuals in the norm group who scored at or below a particular score. For instance, a 75th percentile means the student scored as well as or better than 75% of the norm group.
- Standard Scores: Such as Z-scores, T-scores, and SAT/GRE scores, which convert raw scores to a common scale based on the mean and standard deviation of the norm group.
- Stanine Scores: A nine-point standard scale, where scores 1-3 are below average, 4-6 are average, and 7-9 are above average.
- Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE): A standard score that ranges from 1 to 99, with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 21.06, often used in educational settings.
Norm-Referenced vs. Criterion-Referenced Scores
- It's crucial for competitive exams to distinguish between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced scores.
- Criterion-Referenced Scores:
- Evaluate a student's performance against a predetermined set of standards, objectives, or criteria.
- Focus on what a student knows or can do, rather than how they compare to others.
- Examples include a driving test (pass/fail based on meeting specific driving standards), a unit test in school where 70% is required to pass, or a licensure exam.
- The passing score is fixed and does not depend on the performance of other test-takers.
- Key Distinction: Norm-referenced tests measure relative achievement, while criterion-referenced tests measure absolute achievement or mastery of specific content.
Applications and Considerations
- Uses of Norm-Referenced Tests: Commonly used for college admissions (e.g., SAT, ACT), identifying students for special programs (e.g., gifted programs), ranking students, and large-scale assessment programs.
- Limitations: Test content might not align perfectly with local curriculum. Performance is dependent on the norm group; a high score on an easy test for a low-achieving group might not indicate true mastery.
- Historical Context: The development of standardized norm-referenced tests gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly for intelligence testing and large-scale educational assessments.