norm-referenced test

n. A standardized test that reports an individual's results in relationship to the performance of other test takers, rather than on the basis of a preset criterion (as is the case with a criterion-referenced test). Norm-referenced scoring is a direct reflection of the comparison of a given person's results to the results of the norm group. As such, the overall score is not important; rather, the key factor is examining an individual's performance in comparison to others. For example, a student who misses 50% of the questions on a norm-referenced test may still score high if most other students missed more than 50% of the questions. Norm-referenced tests may be referred to as “scaled” or “curved” because of the importance of relative position in scoring. In a norm-referenced test, performance of a given individual is calculated in direct comparison to that of the norm group. – BJM