What is a key characteristic of Norm-Referenced Tests?

A key characteristic of norm-referenced tests is that they assess an individual’s performance in comparison to a defined group, often referred to as the normative group. This comparison helps to determine how a student's performance measures up relative to that of their peers. This approach effectively highlights where an individual stands in relation to the average, which serves as a point of reference for evaluating performance levels and understanding individual strengths and weaknesses.

Norm-referenced tests typically yield scores that are interpreted in terms of percentiles or standard scores, making it possible to see where a student falls in relation to the average performance of a larger group. This contrasts with other assessment types that may focus on specific skill mastery or self-referential measures, which do not provide comparative insights against a broader context.