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Criterion-referenced testing, as defined by Glaser, measures mastery of defined abilities rather than relative standing among test takers

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Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

The article presents criterion-referenced testing as an approach to reading evaluation in which the measurement scale is anchored at mastery and absence of defined skills rather than at comparisons with other test takers. As the article states, "In criterion referenced measurement the scale is usually anchored at the extremes--one at the top indicating complete or perfect mastery of some defined abilities; one at the bottom indicating absence of some skills." The framework underpins all the article's recommendations about test construction and instructional use.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • A clear definition of the task, objective, or skill being measured, so evidence shows whether a skill does or does not exist

Constraints

  • The article cautions that instruction may become subservient to minute isolated skills when criterion-referenced items are poorly designed

Target Learners

  • Students in clinical or remedial reading settings

Target Learning Objectives

  • Determining whether specific reading skills and objectives have been achieved

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Pikulski, J. J. (1973). Criterion referenced measures for clinical evaluations. ERIC ED085660. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED085660 . doi:10.1080/19388077409557262
Page metadata
Field Value
type theory
title Criterion-referenced testing, as defined by Glaser, measures mastery of defined abilities rather than relative standing among test takers
description The article presents criterion-referenced testing as an approach to reading evaluation in which the measurement scale is anchored at mastery and absence of defined skills rather than at comparisons with other test tak...
status review
canonical True
generated by claude/unspecified on 2026-09-25
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — criterion-referenced-measurement-in-reading-1974

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