Criterion referenced tests are designed to measure patient performance against predetermined criteria, instead of normative data distributed across a bell curve. These tests are often a series of skills or behaviors measured against a set criteria for performance. Instead of scaled or composite scores, these tests often have cut-off scores to compare individual performance against a description of performance and not against group performance (normative data). Unfortunately, criterion referenced tests don’t all follow the same structure/format. For example, criterion tests might group expected skills for particular age ranges in separate sections. A child who can perform all skills in that age section is described as having mastery of those type of skills (such as gross motor) at least at that age cut off. Another example is the GMFM, where items are organized from easiest to hardest in each dimension. It doesn’t have cut offs based on any criteria, other than the individual child’s performance (each time the test is administered, the child basically creates their own cut off scores). Some examples of criterion referenced tests are the Ages & Stages Questionnaire; the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children (AEPS); the WEEFIM; the PEDI (scaled scores only); the GMFM; School Function Assessment (SFA); TUG test; and Pediatric Balance Scale.
Evaluative tests are designed to measure change over time, therefore, we need to use tests that are sensitive to change and allow comparison with subsequent test administrations. Criterion-referenced tests allow for this type of comparison over time. For each administration, the same items are administered, therefore, the criteria for performance doesn’t change. In a norm-referenced test, the criteria changes with subsequent administrations when the child’s raw score is compared against a new set of standards (or a new age bracket of normative data).
Normative data is derived from testing hundreds of infants/children (depending on the type and age range of test) and the plotting their scores on a bell curve (“normal distribution”). Because children can have variable performance, the bell curve captures this variance and plots it as a distribution under the curve.