What does a criterion-referenced test typically provide for student evaluation?

A criterion-referenced test is designed to measure a student's performance against a predefined set of standards or learning criteria, rather than comparing their performance to that of other students. The primary purpose of such tests is to determine whether a student has achieved specific skills or knowledge necessary for a particular level of understanding.

When evaluating students with a criterion-referenced test, the outcomes are generally stated in terms of pass or fail, indicating whether the student has met the established criteria. For example, if a test assesses whether a student has mastered a specific concept, a pass/fail outcome will clearly show if the student has met that standard or not.

The other options, while related to student evaluation, do not accurately reflect the nature of a criterion-referenced approach. Numerical scores can be part of a criterion-referenced test, but they do not provide the clear indication of mastery that pass/fail outcomes do. Percentile rankings involve comparing a student's performance to that of a larger group, which is not the focus of criterion-referenced assessments. Comparative analysis also suggests a relative evaluation of performance, which contrasts with the absolute measurement of specific criteria that criterion-referenced tests provide.