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Multiple Choice

What type of assessment compares a student's scores to those of peers who previously took the same test?

This item tests how an assessment is interpreted relative to other test-takers. A norm-referenced assessment uses a norm group—scores gathered from many students who took the test under similar conditions. An individual’s performance is understood by comparing it to that group's distribution, often yielding percentile ranks or standard scores. That exact idea—comparing a student’s score to peers who previously took the same test—defines norm-referenced assessment. The other terms aren’t about this comparison type. Onset is a phonological awareness term referring to the initial sound in a word. Lexicon relates to a person’s vocabulary knowledge. Listening comprehension is a skill area that can be measured, but it isn’t a method of interpreting scores relative to peers.

This item tests how an assessment is interpreted relative to other test-takers. A norm-referenced assessment uses a norm group—scores gathered from many students who took the test under similar conditions. An individual’s performance is understood by comparing it to that group's distribution, often yielding percentile ranks or standard scores. That exact idea—comparing a student’s score to peers who previously took the same test—defines norm-referenced assessment.

The other terms aren’t about this comparison type. Onset is a phonological awareness term referring to the initial sound in a word. Lexicon relates to a person’s vocabulary knowledge. Listening comprehension is a skill area that can be measured, but it isn’t a method of interpreting scores relative to peers.