1.5 Test Norms

Standardization

Process of administering test to a representative sample of test takers for the purpose of establishing norms

Sampling

The process of developing test by selecting the portion of the whole population

Types of Sampling

Stratified, Stratified Random Sampling, Purposive Sampling, & Incidental Sampling

Norms

Test performance data of a particular group of test takers that are designed for use as a reference when evaluating or interpreting individual test scores

Norming

Process of deriving norms

Normative Sample

Group of people whose performance on a particular test is analyzed for reference in evaluating the performance of individual test takers

Percentile Norms

Raw data from a test’s standardization sample converted to percentile form

Developmental Norms

Norms developed on the basis of any trait, ability, skill, or other characteristic that is developed, deteriorate, or affected by stage of life

National Norms

Derived from a normative sample that was nationally representative of the population

National Anchor Norms

Equivalency table for scores on two tests, which provides the tool for comparison

Subgroup Norms

A normative sample can be segmented by any of the criteria initially used in selecting subjects for the sample

Local Norms

Typically developed by test users

Norm-referenced

Method of evaluation and a way of deriving meaning from test scores by evaluating an individual test taker’s scores and comparing it to scores of a group of test takers

Criterion-Referenced

Method of evaluation and a way of deriving meaning from test scores by evaluating an individual score with reference to a standard

Fixed Reference Group Scoring System

The distribution of scores obtained on the test from one group of test takers is used as the basis for the calculation of test scores for the future administration of the test