Standard tests are primarily classified based on their purpose and the types of skills or knowledge they aim to assess. These classifications include norm-referenced vs. criterion-referenced tests and three main categories: psychological tests, achievement tests, and aptitude tests.
Norm-Referenced vs. Criterion-Referenced Tests
This is a fundamental distinction in standardized testing:
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Norm-Referenced Tests: Compare an individual's performance to the performance of a large, representative group (the "norm"). The goal is to rank individuals relative to each other. Examples include the SAT and IQ tests. Scores are typically reported as percentiles or stanines.
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Criterion-Referenced Tests: Measure an individual's performance against a pre-defined standard or criterion. The focus is on whether the individual has mastered specific skills or content. Examples include end-of-course exams and professional licensing exams. Scores are often reported as a percentage of correct answers.
Three Main Types of Standard Tests
Here's a breakdown of the three main categories of standardized tests:
1. Psychological Tests
These tests assess various aspects of an individual's personality, mental health, or cognitive abilities.
- Purpose: To understand an individual's psychological characteristics, diagnose mental health conditions, or assess cognitive functioning.
- Examples:
- Personality Tests: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Rorschach Inkblot Test
- Intelligence Tests: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
- Neuropsychological Tests: Used to assess cognitive function after brain injury or neurological illness.
- Characteristics: Often administered by trained psychologists or professionals.
2. Achievement Tests
Achievement tests measure the knowledge and skills an individual has acquired in a specific subject or area.
- Purpose: To evaluate what a student has learned in a particular course or curriculum.
- Examples:
- Standardized Reading Tests: Measures reading comprehension and vocabulary.
- End-of-Grade/Course Exams: Assesses mastery of material covered in a specific course.
- High School Graduation Tests: Tests required for graduation, ensuring a certain level of proficiency.
- Characteristics: Content is typically aligned with specific educational standards or curricula.
3. Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests predict an individual's potential for success in a future activity or learning situation. They aim to assess innate abilities or developed talents.
- Purpose: To predict future performance in a specific field or training program.
- Examples:
- SAT/ACT: Used for college admissions, predicts success in undergraduate studies.
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Used for graduate school admissions.
- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): Used to assess aptitude for military service.
- Characteristics: Often used for selection purposes, such as college admissions or job hiring.
In summary, standard tests are classified based on whether they compare individuals to a norm group (norm-referenced) or assess them against a set standard (criterion-referenced). Additionally, they are categorized by the type of assessment they provide: psychological, achievement, and aptitude.
