Standardized tests are carefully constructed tests which have uniformity of procedure in scoring, administering and interpreting the test results. A standardized test is generally made by a professional tester or a group of testers. Are standardized tests an apt measure of intellect? Read this blog to know more!
Reach Of Standardized Tests
● Standardized tests are not restricted to use in a school or a few schools but to a larger population, so that many schools can use such types of tests to assess their own performance etc. in relation to others and the general population for which the test has been standardized.
● Generally these tests are “norm-referenced tests that measure the pupils’ level of achievement in various content and skill areas by comparing their test performance with the performance of other pupils in some general reference group.” Various definitions associated with the standardized tests.
● A standardized test is one that has been carefully constructed by experts in the light of acceptable objectives or purposes; procedure for administering, scoring and interpreting scores are specified in detail so that no matter who gives the test or where it may be given, the result should be comparable; and norms or average for different age or grade levels have been predetermined.
● Sometimes standardized tests are misunderstood and equated with provision of norms. It is not correct. Standardization of a test is nowadays explained in more wide terms, though norms existence is a distinctive feature of a standardized test which helps in the interpretation of the results.
● Standardized tests are those tests which are constructed by an individual or by a group of individuals and are being processed and universalized for all situations and for all purposes.
● A standardized test is widely acclaimed if its content is carefully designed, carefully phrased and simultaneously pretested. Standardized tests are prepared not for a particular local situation but for all the situations inside and outside the educational Institutions.
Process Followed During The Standardized Tests
● Due weightage is given to the content and objectives. Items are to be prepared according to the blue-print. Relevant items are included and irrelevant items are omitted, giving due consideration to item difficulty and discriminating value. Internal consistency is also taken into account.
● Procedure of test administration, conditions for administration, time allowed for the test etc., are to be clearly stated.
● To ensure objective and uniform scoring, the adequate scoring key and detailed instruction for method of scoring is to be provided.
● Adequate norms to be prepared to interpreted the results. Test is administered over a large sample (representative one). Test scores are interpreted with reference to norms. Derivation of norms is an integral part of the process of standardization.
Also published on Medium.