Criterion-referenced tests

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Criterion-referenced tests AleAssessment

Tests that assess a learner's achievement against an absolute standard or criterion of performance (rather than against a norming group; see also Norms, Norm-referenced assessment, Norm-referenced test).

Describing a test as criterion-referenced concerns how test scores are interpreted. CRTs compare student performance to an absolute standard ('can multiply two-digit numbers with 80% proficiency'). Criterion-referenced tests are one 'kind' of standardized test that give one kind of information, and norm-referenced test are the other kind. CRTs help quantify an individual's performance against a known criterion. In addition to test scores, criterion-referenced tests generally describe performance in terms of performance standards (basic/proficient/advanced, pass/fail, etc.). Some contexts where criterion-referenced tests are common today include credentialing (does this person know enough to be a doctor, accountant, etc?) and the state tests in use today for No Child Left Behind reporting. 2/7/2005, April L. Zenisky.


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