The GRoNC: Guidelines for Reporting on Norm-Referenced and Criterion-Referenced Scores

Psychological test manuals vary widely in their reporting of the construction and interpretation of standardized scores. Consequently, the critical evaluation of norm quality and meaning is difficult for test users and reviewers. Because a specific standard for reporting on standardized scores is lacking, we developed Guidelines for Reporting on Norm-referenced and Criterion-referenced Scores (GRoNC), following a systematic approach for creating reporting guidelines (EQUATOR). The development took place in two stages: Stage 1, developing a preliminary version of the GRoNC based on a literature review; Stage 2, a Delphi process in two rounds, involving both theoretical experts (n = 11) and test developers (n = 14). The GRoNC includes a series of questions and associated explanations. It supports test developers in developing and reporting upon their standardized scores, and reviewers in evaluating a psychological test on its standardized scores. We provide recommendations on using the GRoNC and conclude by describing our expectations and plans to increase the impact of the GRoNC on reporting practice.