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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.

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