Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What type of score interpretation compares an individual's performance to that of a group?

1. Criterian referenced interpretation

2. Norm referenced interpretation

3. Content referenced interpretation

4. Diagnostic interpretation

The correct answer is: Norm referenced interpretation

The type of score interpretation that compares an individual's performance to that of a group is known as norm referenced interpretation. This approach assesses an individual's results within the context of performance data from a relevant population, often referred to as the "norm group." By using this method, practitioners can determine how an individual compares with their peers or a predefined group, giving insight into where the individual stands relative to others. For example, in an educational setting, if a student's test score is compared to the average scores of their classmates or the entire grade level, it would be a norm-referenced interpretation. This helps in understanding not just the individual’s level of achievement, but also how that achievement performs in relation to others. Criterian referenced interpretation focuses on whether an individual meets a specific standard or criterion, rather than comparing them to a group. Content referenced interpretation evaluates performance based on specific content domains without comparative context to others, emphasizing what has been learned. Diagnostic interpretation, on the other hand, aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in an individual's skills or knowledge, rather than comparing them to a norm group, making it distinct from norm referenced interpretation.