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Kulwinder Pal, Lovely Professional University Unit 15 : Norm Referenced Test

Unit 15 : Norm Referenced Test Notes

CONTENTS

Objectives
Introduction
15.1 Meaning of Norm Referenced Test (NRT)
15.2 Need for Norm Referenced Test (NRT)
15.3 Features of Norm Referenced Test (NRT)
15.4 Accuracy of Test Score
15.5 Advantages of Norm Referenced Test (NRT)
15.6 Disadvantages of Norm Referenced Test (NRT)
15.7 Summary
15.8 Keywords
15.9 Review Questions
15.10 Further Readings

Objectives

The objectives of this unit can be summarised as below :
• To explain the meaning of norm referenced test
• To discuss about the need for norm referenced test
• To describe the features of norm referenced test
• To discuss about the accuracy of test score
• To explain about the advantages and disadvantages of norm referenced test

Introduction

A norm-referenced test (NRT) is a type of test, assessment, or evaluation which yields an estimate
of the position of the tested individual in a predefined population, with respect to the trait being
measured. This estimate is derived from the analysis of test scores and possibly other relevant
data from a sample drawn from the population. That is, this type of test identifies whether the
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test taker performed better or worse than other test takers, but not whether the test taker knows
either more or less material than is necessary for a given purpose.

15.1 Meaning of Norm Referenced Test (NRT)

Definition : This type of test determines a student’s placement on a normal distribution curve.
Students compete against each other on this type of assessment. This is what is being referred to
with the phrase, ‘grading on a curve’. Norm-referenced tests allow us to compare a student’s
skills to others in his age group. Norm-referenced tests are developed by creating the test items
and then administering the test to a group of students that will be used as the basis of comparison.
Statistical methods are used to determine how raw scores will be interpreted and what
performance levels are assigned to each score. Many tests yield standard scores, which allow

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