A. Criterion reference
B. Norm reference
C. Achievement
D. None
Answer is = B
You are correct! Out of the given options, the test designed to compare the performance of a student with the performance of other students is called a:
B. Norm-referenced test
Here’s why the other options are not used for this purpose:
- Criterion-referenced test: This type of test measures a student’s performance against a pre-established standard or criterion, rather than comparing them to other students. It focuses on whether a student has mastered a specific skill or knowledge level.
- Achievement test: This is a broad term encompassing various tests that assess a student’s knowledge or skills in a particular subject area. Achievement tests can be norm-referenced or criterion-referenced.
- None: There are definitely tests designed for student performance comparison, and norm-referenced tests are the specific type used for this purpose.
Norm-referenced tests are designed to:
- Establish a score distribution based on the performance of a large representative sample of students.
- Assign scores based on a student’s relative position within that distribution.
- Allow for comparisons between students’ performances.
For example, a norm-referenced test might report a student’s score as being at the 70th percentile, indicating they performed better than 70% of students in the sample on that particular test.
It’s important to note that norm-referenced tests don’t necessarily assess mastery of specific skills. They focus on relative comparisons within a group. Criterion-referenced tests, on the other hand, provide a more direct measure of whether a student has achieved a specific learning objective.