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Kulwinder Pal, Lovely Professional University Unit 11 : Development of Norms of a Test

Unit 11 : Development of Norms of a Test Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
11.1 Meaning of Norms
11.2 Need for Establishing Norms
11.3 Types of Norms
11.4 Characteristics of Norms
11.5 Summary
11.6 Keywords
11.7 Review Questions
11.8 Further Readings

Objectives

The objectives of this unit can be summarised as below :
• To discuss about the meaning of norms
• To describe the need for establishing norms
• To explain the types of norms
• To discuss about the characteristics of norms

Introduction

Test norms consist of data that make it possible to determine the relative standing of an individual
who has taken a test. By itself, a subject’s raw score (e.g., the number of answers that agree with
the scoring key) has little meaning. Almost always, a test score must be interpreted as indicating
the subject’s position relative to others in some group. Norms provide a basis for comparing the
individual with a group. We will discuss about norms of a test and its various aspects.

11.1 Meaning of Norms

In a test, norm is that score which has been obtained by a group. In other words, “By norms we
mean specimen of work which represent the commonest type of work for the whole group in
question. In the field of research, when different tests are administered and scoring is given. It is
a difficult task to deduce some inferences on the basis of these scores, unless we have a basis for
them. On the basis of norm, we can compare two candidates in the test, and can find out the
situation or place of a candidate in the group. We apply norm in order to eradicate interpretive
errors. Norms have been defined as the standard, performance of a group of pupils in a test. It is
essential to keep in mind that there is difference between norm and standard. Norms indicate the
actual achievement of students at standardized level, while standard indicate the desired level of
performance. Norms are such standards with which we can compare any scores for analysis, or
deduce our conclusions from them. In other words, norms are the average scores of actual
measurement in a test administered on a specific group of students. Norms are averages or
values determined by actual measurement of a group of persons who are the representatives of

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