Question
Which statement describes a standardized test? a. Has norms that allow test-takers to be compared with those who have taken the same test. b. Is free of schema that participants may use during the test. c. Measures intelligence in specific cultural groups. d. Is based on a theory that has been rigorously tested.
Solution
4
(194 Votes)
Madilynn
Master ยท Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The correct answer is **a. Has norms that allow test-takers to be compared with those who have taken the same test.**Here's why:* **Standardized tests** are designed to be administered and scored in a consistent, or "standard," manner. A key feature is the establishment of norms. These norms are derived from a large, representative sample of test-takers and provide a baseline against which individual scores can be compared. This allows for an understanding of how a particular score ranks relative to others.Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:* **b. Is free of schema that participants may use during the test:** It's impossible to completely eliminate the influence of pre-existing knowledge (schemas) that test-takers bring to the testing situation. While standardized tests aim to minimize bias, they cannot entirely remove the impact of individual experiences.* **c. Measures intelligence in specific cultural groups:** Standardized tests strive to measure abilities and knowledge in a way that is applicable across different cultural groups. While cultural bias can be a concern in test design, the goal is to create assessments that are as fair and unbiased as possible. Tests specifically designed for one cultural group wouldn't be considered broadly standardized.* **d. Is based on a theory that has been rigorously tested:** While many standardized tests are based on educational or psychological theories, this isn't a defining characteristic of a standardized test itself. The standardization lies in the administration and scoring procedures, not necessarily the underlying theory.