What is the purpose of a norm-referenced test?

The purpose of a norm-referenced test is to be administered to a large population for comparison. These tests are designed to evaluate how a student's performance compares to a representative sample of their peers. By establishing norms based on a broad data set, educators can determine where an individual student stands relative to others within the same age group or grade level. This approach helps to identify students who are performing above, at, or below the average, providing insights into their academic performance in the context of a wider population.

In contrast, assessments that focus solely on an individual’s progress or performance in isolation do not provide the comparative insights that are characteristic of norm-referenced tests. Similarly, measuring emotional intelligence is outside the scope of these tests, which are aimed primarily at academic skills and knowledge. Thus, the aspect of large-scale administration for comparative purposes is a defining feature of norm-referenced testing.