A norm-referenced test is a type of test, assessment or evaluation that yields an estimate of where a tested individual stands, with respect to the trait being measured, within a predefined population, rather than whether the individual knows more or less material than is necessary for a given purpose. Assigning scores this way is described as relative grading or grading on a curve, referring to the bell curve, the graphical representation of the normal distribution, though the method can in principle be used to produce any desired distribution of grades rather than only a normal one. It contrasts with criterion-referenced assessment, where a score shows whether a test taker performed well or poorly on a given task rather than how that compares to other test takers, and with ipsative assessment, which compares a test taker to their own previous performance; the psychologist Robert Glaser originally coined both the terms norm-referenced test and criterion-referenced test.
Facts
Core ClaimA norm-referenced test measures a test taker only against how other test takers performed, never against a fixed amount of required knowledge or skill; the score is relative standing within a population, not mastery of set material. 1 FAQs
Why are norm-referenced tests used for placement and admissions decisions?
They rank test takers against one another, which suits decisions about placement, eligibility and admission.
Because they are designed to rank test takers against one another. The Glossary of Education Reform says norm-referenced tests report whether test takers performed better or worse than a hypothetical average student, and that they have historically been used to make distinctions among students, often for course placement, program eligibility or school admissions. Scores on the SAT or ACT are a common example. To produce a bell curve, test questions are carefully designed to accentuate performance differences among test takers, so the test shows who ranks higher rather than whether students have met specified learning standards. For that reason the same source notes that norm-referenced scores are generally evaluated alongside other information about a student.
Connections
Developed By
Source Wikipedia: Norm-referenced test
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Norm-referenced test
Wikimedia FoundationLead section, sentence beginning "That is, this type of test identifies"
That is, this type of test identifies whether the test taker performed better or worse than other test takers, not whether the test taker knows either more or less material than is necessary for a given purpose.
References list, Glaser citation
Glaser, R. (1963).
Developed By: Robert Glaser, intro of the article
Robert Glaser originally coined the terms norm-referenced test and criterion-referenced test.
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