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What is ... normative versus criterion-referenced assessment.

J M Turnbull

    Medical Teacher
    |January 1, 1989
    PubMed
    Summary

    Medical schools should shift from norm-referenced tests to criterion-referenced testing for evaluating student competence. This ensures physicians meet external standards, improving overall performance quality.

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    Area of Science:

    • Medical Education
    • Assessment and Evaluation

    Background:

    • Current medical education evaluation primarily uses norm-referenced tests, designed for student selection and ranking.
    • Norm-referenced tests are inadequate for assessing true competence, as they focus on relative performance rather than absolute standards.
    • These tests can foster unhealthy competition and are less effective for program evaluation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To advocate for a shift in medical education evaluation systems.
    • To highlight the limitations of norm-referenced testing for competence assessment.
    • To propose criterion-referenced testing as a superior alternative for evaluating medical students.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparative analysis of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced testing principles.
    • Discussion of the suitability of each testing method for medical education objectives.
    • Examination of the role of testing in assessing physician competence and program effectiveness.

    Main Results:

    • Norm-referenced tests are ill-suited for assessing medical student competence, offering only relative comparisons.
    • Criterion-referenced tests provide a measure of absolute performance against established standards, aligning better with educational goals.
    • Criterion-referenced testing, potentially using percentage competency scores, is more appropriate for evaluating competence and ensuring quality.

    Conclusions:

    • Criterion-referenced testing should be the primary evaluation method in medical schools.
    • This approach ensures students achieve clearly defined external standards, enhancing physician quality.
    • Shifting to criterion-referenced testing better serves the core mission of producing competent physicians.

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