Question

What is the main difference between criterion-referenced and norm-referenced testing?

• A. Criterion-referenced compares to a standard; norm-referenced compares to peers.
• B. Norm-referenced compares to a standard; criterion-referenced compares to peers.
• C. Criterion-referenced measures aptitude; norm-referenced measures achievement.
• D. Norm-referenced measures attitude; criterion-referenced measures skills.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Criterion-referenced compares to a standard; norm-referenced compares to peers.

Understanding Criterion-Referenced and Norm-Referenced Tests

• Criterion-Referenced Tests:
  • Measure an individual's performance against a predetermined standard, skill, or knowledge base.
  • The focus is on mastery of specific content or learning objectives.
  • Results indicate whether a person has met the defined criteria, not how they compare to others.
  • Example: A driving test, where passing requires demonstrating specific driving skills according to the rules of the road.
  • Relevance for Exams: Often used for certification, licensing, and assessing whether students have learned specific course material.
• Norm-Referenced Tests:
  • Measure an individual's performance by comparing it to the performance of a larger, representative group (the norm group).
  • The focus is on ranking individuals relative to their peers.
  • Results indicate how an individual scored in relation to others who took the same test.
  • Example: Standardized tests like the SAT or GRE, which compare a student's score to the scores of all other test-takers.
  • Relevance for Exams: Used for college admissions, placement, and identifying high and low achievers within a population.
• Key Distinction for Competitive Exams:
  • Criterion-referenced: 'Did the candidate meet the required standard?' (e.g., Did they get 70% correct for passing?)
  • Norm-referenced: 'How did the candidate perform compared to other candidates?' (e.g., Did they score in the top 10%?)