Distinguish between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments.

• A. Norm-referenced tests compare a person's performance to a reference group using norms; criterion-referenced tests compare a person's performance to a predefined criterion or standard.
• B. Norm-referenced tests compare a person's performance to a predefined criterion.
• C. Norm-referenced tests are always unstandardized.
• D. Norm-referenced tests are not used in counseling.

Answer: (A)

The distinction rests on what performance is compared to: norms versus predefined criteria. Norm-referenced assessments measure how an individual performs relative to a reference group, using norms to place you in a distribution—think percentile ranks or standard scores. This tells you where a person stands among peers, not whether they have mastered a specific standard. Criterion-referenced assessments, in contrast, evaluate whether the person has achieved a defined level of mastery or met explicit criteria, regardless of how others perform. They’re about meeting standards or benchmarks, such as demonstrating specific skills or knowledge.

In counseling practice, norm-referenced measures help with ranking, classification, and understanding relative standing within a population, while criterion-referenced measures are ideal for judging mastery, progress toward goals, or program outcomes.

The other statements mix up this relationship or make unfounded claims: norm-referenced tests are not about comparing to a predefined criterion, and many norm-referenced tests are standardized to establish norms. Likewise, norm-referenced tests can and do play roles in counseling.