What is the purpose of a norm group in assessment?

The purpose of a norm group in assessment is to establish a reference point against which individual scores can be compared. By assigning percentile scores based on the performance of the norm group, an assessment can effectively show how an individual stands relative to a larger population. This information is crucial for interpreting assessment results, as it allows practitioners to understand the significance of a score in the context of typical performance.

A norm group is typically composed of a representative sample of individuals who have taken the same assessment under similar conditions. This group helps to calibrate the assessment tool and ensures that scores reflect not just individual performance, but also how that performance compares to a wider set of data.

In contrast, testing reading levels or producing technical documentation are not the primary functions of a norm group. Additionally, while representation of minority populations is important in ensuring fairness and accuracy in assessments, it does not directly define the purpose of a norm group, which is primarily focused on establishing a baseline for interpreting scores.