What characterizes a norm-referenced test?

A norm-referenced test is designed to compare an individual’s performance to that of a group, often referred to as a "norm group." The main focus of such tests is to determine how a test-taker performs in relation to others. Therefore, one of the distinguishing features of norm-referenced tests is that they often do not provide enough detailed information about an individual’s performance beyond how they compare to the average performance of their peers. This is because the primary goal is to rank participants rather than to assess their mastery of specific skills or knowledge.

In this context, the correct choice highlights the limitations in terms of the depth of individual performance insights that norm-referenced tests typically provide, as the results are interpreted against a broader population rather than focusing on personalized achievement or growth.

On the other hand, requiring a Gold Standard for comparison is more characteristic of criterion-referenced tests rather than norm-referenced tests, which focus on comparative performance. The statement regarding sample size implies a misunderstanding of test principles, as norm-referenced tests can indeed be influenced by sample size since a larger, well-defined norm group can provide a more accurate measurement against which individual performance is compared. Lastly, while norm-referenced tests may sometimes assess basic skills, they are not limited to