Chapter 3: Test Scores

Question 1

Test score

Answer 1

Number representation of an examinee’s performance on a given test

Question 2

Raw scores

Answer 2

Number of questions answered correctly on a test

Only used to calculate other scores

Question 3

Norm samples: what they need to be

Answer 3

Representative of the population taking the test
Consistent with that population
Current (must match current generation)
Large enough sample size

Question 4

Flynn effect

Answer 4

Intelligence increases over successive generations

In order to stay accurate, intelligence tests must be renormed every couple of years

Question 5

Types of norm samples

Answer 5

Nationally representative sample (reflects society as a whole)
Local sample
Clinical sample (compare to people with given diagnosis)
Criminal sample (utilizing criminals)
Employee sample (used in hiring decisions)

Question 6

What test manual contains

Answer 6

Description of norm sample (type and size)
Scoring information (type of score used, instructions on how to transform raw scores)

Question 7

Mean and standard deviation for z scores

Answer 7

M=0

SD=1

Question 8

Mean and standard deviation for t scores (used for MMPI)

Answer 8

M=50

SD=10

Question 9

Mean and standard deviation for IQ scores

Answer 9

M=100

SD=15

Question 10

Percentage of population within 1 standard deviation (normal distribution)

Answer 10

68%

Question 11

Percentage of population within 2 standard deviations (normal distribution)

Answer 11

96%

Question 12

Percentage of population within 3 standard deviations (normal distribution)

Answer 12

99%

Question 13

Example of norm referenced interpretation

Answer 13

30th percentile among 8th graders

Question 14

Example of grade equivalents

Answer 14

In the 8th grade and performing at a 6.5 grade level

Question 15

Example of age equivalents

Answer 15

13 and performing at an 11 year-old level

Question 16

3 types of criterion-referenced interpretations

Answer 16

Percentage correct
Mastery testing (pass/fail)
Standard-based interpretation (assigning letter grade)

Question 17

Problem with norm-referenced standard scores

Answer 17

There will always be people at the top and people at the bottom: some must fail (not ideal for classroom settings)