What are standardized test scoring conventions like percentiles, z-scores, and stanines?

What are standardized test scoring conventions like percentiles, z-scores, and stanines?

• A. Percentiles show relative rank; z-scores standardize deviations from mean; stanines compress into nine divisions; used to interpret scores.
• B. They measure test duration
• C. They indicate p-values
• D. They determine test length

Answer: (A)

These conventions provide a way to interpret test scores by placing them in relation to a normative group. Percentiles express relative rank: a score at the 75th percentile means the person scored higher than 75% of the norm group. Z-scores convert a raw score into standard deviation units from the mean, so a z-score of +1.0 shows the score is one standard deviation above the mean and can be compared across different tests. Stanines summarize performance into nine equal bands, giving a straightforward, coarse indication of where the score falls within the distribution (center, above average, etc.). Together, they are used to interpret scores, communicate performance to clients, and compare results across tests or administrations. Note that other options like measuring test duration, p-values, or test length refer to different aspects of testing, not scoring conventions.

These conventions provide a way to interpret test scores by placing them in relation to a normative group. Percentiles express relative rank: a score at the 75th percentile means the person scored higher than 75% of the norm group. Z-scores convert a raw score into standard deviation units from the mean, so a z-score of +1.0 shows the score is one standard deviation above the mean and can be compared across different tests. Stanines summarize performance into nine equal bands, giving a straightforward, coarse indication of where the score falls within the distribution (center, above average, etc.). Together, they are used to interpret scores, communicate performance to clients, and compare results across tests or administrations. Note that other options like measuring test duration, p-values, or test length refer to different aspects of testing, not scoring conventions.