Standardized Tests

Standardized tests are evaluative devices or procedures developed to ascertain a sample of behavior from an individual in a domain of interest, in which the test administration and scoring process is uniform across individuals, and both reliability and validity evidence exists such that inferences regarding the person’s trait can be made from the test score. These assessments are often used to compare individuals or groups on current and predicted performance in different domains. For example, a paper-and-pencil mathematics test may be administered to a group of individuals to obtain a sample of mathematics ability or knowledge. Each individual receives the same instructions, is given the same amount of time to complete the test, and all answers are scored the same way (e.g., one point awarded for a correct answer, no points awarded for an incorrect answer); this approach to administration and scoring has been standardized, such that it is equal across all examinees. Using this test score, inferences about the individual’s mathematics proficiency can be made.

Tests are developed to make claims about an individual and can be created for different fields, domains, and constructs. For example, standardized tests exist for educational achievement, attitudes, vocational interests, personality, cognitive functioning, and mental health. Each test in the field may be designed to examine one construct (e.g., mathematics ability in education, neuroticism in personality) or multiple constructs (e.g., mathematics and reading in education). The test may then be used to determine whether an individual possesses all necessary skills (e.g., master or nonmaster in the domain) or to compare the individual to others (e.g., how does the individual perform in relation to others). A sample of behavior may be obtained using different methods, such as a paper-and-pencil test, a computer-based test, interviews, or observations. Typically, tests are composed of items, which may be multiple choice, constructed response, true/false, matching, or ratings. Lastly, each examinee receives the same set of conditions for test administration, and all responses are objectively scored and interpreted.

This entry begins with a brief history of standardized tests, discusses developing and interpreting standardized tests, and concludes with several examples.