Norm-referenced tests compare a student's performance to what?

• A. A fixed passing standard
• B. A statistically selected group of test takers
• C. The student's past performance
• D. The teacher's expectations

Answer: (B)

Norm-referenced tests compare a student's performance to a norm group—a statistically selected, representative sample of test-takers similar in age or grade. The idea is to see how you rank relative to peers, usually expressed as percentile ranks or standard scores. This differs from a fixed passing standard (criterion-referenced), and from comparisons to one’s own past performance or to a teacher’s expectations. So, you’re being compared to a statistically selected group of test takers.