What type of test compares student performance to a specific domain?

What type of test compares student performance to a specific domain?

• A. Norm-Referenced Test
• B. Diagnostic Test
• C. Criterion-Referenced Test
• D. Formative Test

Answer: (C)

Assessments that compare performance to a specific domain judge whether a student has mastered the defined skills and content within that domain. They measure against established criteria or standards, not against how peers performed. The key idea is mastery: if the student meets the predefined criteria, they demonstrated the required level of knowledge or ability. This approach contrasts with norm-referenced tests, which rank students relative to a normative group, and with diagnostic or formative assessments, which focus on identifying specific weaknesses and guiding instruction. So, this type of test is about judging mastery against predefined standards within the domain.

Assessments that compare performance to a specific domain judge whether a student has mastered the defined skills and content within that domain. They measure against established criteria or standards, not against how peers performed. The key idea is mastery: if the student meets the predefined criteria, they demonstrated the required level of knowledge or ability. This approach contrasts with norm-referenced tests, which rank students relative to a normative group, and with diagnostic or formative assessments, which focus on identifying specific weaknesses and guiding instruction. So, this type of test is about judging mastery against predefined standards within the domain.