An instrument that has fixed directions for the administration and scoring of the instrument is said to be:

• A. Standardized.
• B. Normed.
• C. Validated.
• D. Criterion-referenced.

Answer: (A)

Standardization is the key idea here. An instrument with fixed directions for administration and scoring ensures every tester follows the exact same procedures—same prompts, order, timing, materials, and scoring rules. This uniformity makes results comparable across different settings and times and reduces measurement error, which is essential for reliable interpretation.

Normed refers to interpreting scores by comparing them to a reference group, which is about interpretation rather than fixed procedures. Validated concerns evidence that the test measures what it is intended to measure, not the consistency of administration or scoring. Criterion-referenced means interpreting scores against predefined criteria or mastery levels, not against a norm group or fixed administration rules.

So, the fixed administration and scoring directions define standardization.