Which statement best contrasts norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests?

• A. Norm-referenced compares to others; criterion-referenced compares to predefined criteria
• B. Norm-referenced compares to the population mean only
• C. Criterion-referenced always uses peer norms for grading
• D. Both rely on standardized cut scores

Answer: (A)

Understanding how results are interpreted helps you see the difference. Norm-referenced tests judge your performance by comparing you to a peer group, ranking you within a distribution of scores to show where you stand relative to others. Criterion-referenced tests, on the other hand, measure whether you have met specific, predefined criteria or mastery levels, regardless of how everyone else performs. That contrast makes the statement correct: norm-referenced compares to others, criterion-referenced compares to predefined criteria.

The other ideas don’t fit. Norm-referenced tests don’t rely only on the population mean; they use the whole score distribution (percentiles, standard deviations) to describe relative standing. Criterion-referenced tests don’t rely on peer norms at all—they assess mastery of set criteria. And not both rely on standardized cut scores—the criterion-referenced approach often uses cut scores to determine mastery, while norm-referenced tests are not defined by cut scores for interpretation.