Assumptions About PMET and Norming

The flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to assumptions about Psychological Measurement and Evaluation Techniques (PMET) and norming.

Psychological Traits

Distinguishable, relatively enduring ways in which one individual varies from another.

Trait

Any distinguishable, relatively enduring way in which one individual varies from another, such as intelligence.

State

A psychological characteristic that distinguishes one person from another but is less enduring than a trait.

Construct

An informed scientific concept developed to describe or explain behavior.

Test-Related Behavior

Behavior observed in testing situations that is presumed to predict non-test-related behaviors.

Error Variance

Component of a test score attributable to sources other than the trait or ability being measured.

Norm-Referenced Testing

A method of evaluation that compares an individual's test score to a group of test-takers.

Normative Sample

A group used as a reference for evaluating individual test scores and performance.

Standardization

The process of administering a test to a representative sample to establish norms.

Age Norms

Scores indicating average performance of different age groups of test-takers.

Grade Norms

Scores indicating average performance of test-takers in a specific school grade.

Criterion-Referenced Testing

A method of evaluation based on individuals' performance in relation to a set standard.

Psychological Testing

Assessment method used to evaluate individuals' psychological traits and states.

Test Score

A numerical representation of a test-taker's performance on a psychological assessment.

Measurement Error

The difference between the observed test score and the true score.

Sampling Bias

Bias introduced into sampling that affects the representativeness of the sample.

User Norms

Descriptive statistics based on a group of test-takers in a given period, not formally sampled.

Standard Error of Measurement

Statistic estimating the extent to which an observed score deviates from a true score.

Cumulative Scoring

Score based on multiple responses indicating strength of a trait.

Fixed Reference Group

A group whose score distribution is used to calculate scores for future test administrations.

National Norms

Norms developed from large, representative samples across various demographic variables.

Subgroup Norms

Normative information segmented by criteria such as age, educational level, or region.

Convenience Sampling

Selecting available participants that might not be the most appropriate for generalization.

Percentiles

Divisions of a distribution into 100 equal parts to understand relative performance.

Mental Age

Age at which an individual's performance is typical when compared to age-defined groups.

Tracking

Tendency of children to maintain their position relative to peers across development.

Norming Process

The method by which norms are derived for a specific test or measurement.

Technical Considerations

Factors considered by test developers in defining constructs to be measured.

Behavioral Indicators

Specific actions or responses typically associated with a defined trait or state.

Assessment Techniques

Methods used to evaluate attributes and abilities through tests.

Legal Matters

Contexts in which psychological tests are utilized to understand past behavior.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Advantages and limitations of specific psychological tests and measurement approaches.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical methods used to summarize and describe data characteristics.

Statistically Significant

A result that indicates the observed difference is unlikely due to chance.

Societal Benefit of Testing

Importance of tests in making informed decisions across various fields and contexts.

Purposive Sampling

Selecting participants based on specific characteristics believed to be representative.

Technical Grounds

Arguments or points based on established methods or principles in testing.

Training and Experience

Background knowledge critical for competent test administration and interpretation.

Standard Procedures

Protocols established for test administration to ensure consistency and reliability.

Resource Allocation

Distribution of resources based on test results to benefit individuals or groups.

Fairness in Testing

Ensuring tests are used responsibly without bias toward any group.

Test Development

The process of creating assessments, including defining constructs and establishing norms.

No Child Left Behind Policy

Educational policy influencing standardized testing in U.S. schools.

Adjustment

A psychological trait reflecting how well an individual handles stressors.

Empirical Evidence

Data gathered through observation and experimentation in psychological testing.

Behavioral Assessment

Evaluation focused on observing and understanding individual behavior as indicators.

Cognitive Style

Individual's preferred way of processing information and problem-solving.

Test User Training

Education and preparation for individuals administering and interpreting tests.

Normative Data

Statistical data representative of broader populations used to contextualize scores.

Evaluation Criteria

Standards upon which assessments and their outcomes are judged.