ch 3

trait

has been defined as “any distinguishable, relatively enduring way in which one individual varies from another”

States

also distinguish one person from another but are relatively less

Enduring constructs

an informed, scientific concept developed or constructed to describe or explain behavior

Norm referenced testing and assessment

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

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.

A normative sample

is the reference group to which the performance of test takers are compared.

Standardization

The process of administering a test to a representative sample of test takers for the purpose of establishing norms.

Sampling

Test developers select a population, for which the test is intended.

•Test takers should have at least

one common, observable Characteristic.

Stratified sampling

Sampling that includes different subgroups, or strata, from the population.

Stratified random sampling

Every member of the population has an equal opportunity of being included in a sample.

Purposive sample

Arbitrarily selecting a sample that is believed to be representative of the population.

Incidental/convenience sample

A sample that is convenient or available for use; it may not be representative of the population.

Generalization of findings from convenience samples must be

made with caution.

Developing norms

Having obtained a sample, test developers, Administer the test with a standard set of instructions. Recommend a setting for administering the test., Collect and analyze data.  Summarize data using descriptive statistics including measures of

central tendency and variability, Provide a detailed description of the standardization sample.

Percentile

The percentage of people whose score on a test or measure falls below a particular raw score. are a popular method for organizing test related data because they are easily calculated.

One problem is that real differences between raw scores may be

minimized near the ends of the distribution and exaggerated in the middle of the distribution.

• Age norms

Average performance of different samples of test takers who were at various ages when the test was administered.

• Grade norms:

The average test performance of test takers in a given school grade.

• National norms

Derived from a normative sample that was nationally representative of the population at the time the norming study was Conducted.

• National anchor norms

An equivalency table for scores on two different tests; allows for a basis of comparison.

• Subgroup norms

A normative sample can be segmented by any of

the criteria initially used in selecting subjects for the sample.

• Local norms

Provide normative information with respect to the local

population’s performance on some test.

Fixed reference group scoring systems

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 future administrations of the test.

• Norm referenced tests

involve comparing individuals to the normative

group

• Criterion referenced tests and assessments

test takers are

evaluated as to whether they meet a set standard (example: a driving

exam).