Norm-referenced measure

A test is said to be norm-referenced when the translated score tells where the person stands in some population of persons who have taken the test. By contrast, a test is criterion-referenced when provision is made for translating the test score into a statement about the behavior to be expected of a person with that score. The same test can be used in both ways. Robert Glaser originally coined both terms.

Notes and references

 * 1)  Cronbach, L. J. (1970). Essentials of psychological testing (3rd ed.). New York: Harper & Row.
 * 2)  Glaser, R. (1963). Instructional technology and the measurement of learning outcomes. American Psychologist, 18, 510-522.