Which feature characterizes a norm-referenced assessment?

• A. It defines a mastery criterion for performance.
• B. It is always unstandardized.
• C. It compares performance to a norm group.
• D. It measures progress over time against defined criteria.

Answer: (C)

A norm-referenced assessment is designed to show how a student compares with a larger group, using a normative sample to interpret scores. The defining feature is that performance is evaluated relative to that group, giving results like percentile ranks or standard scores that place the student on a distribution alongside peers.

This is different from criterion-referenced measures, where success is defined by meeting specific mastery criteria or predefined levels of performance. That’s why defining a mastery criterion, or measuring progress against fixed criteria, describes criterion-referenced approaches rather than norm-referenced ones.

It’s also not accurate to say norm-referenced tests are always unstandardized; in fact, they are typically standardized so that the comparison to the normative group is fair and meaningful.