Criterion referenced tests

A test is said to be 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. By contrast, a test is norm-referenced when the translated score tells where the person stands in some population of persons who have taken the test. 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.