Domain Referenced Test Interpretation

Synonyms

Content-referenced testing; Criterion-referenced testing; Objective-referenced testing

Definition

Domain-referenced, or criterion-referenced, test interpretation refers to the concept that an examinee’s scores on a test are interpreted with reference to the particular cognitive ability being assessed rather than in comparison with the performance of a population of individuals (norm-referenced test interpretation. For example, when examining reading ability, domain-referenced interpretation is exemplified when a neuropsychologist interprets an examinee’s performance in terms of reading mastery or how the current reading level compares to a previous level of reading. This interpretation also assists in predicting the examinee’s performance on a criterion. The benefit of this type of interpretation is that it allows the referral source, patient, caregiver, or other interested parties to understand the potential impact of a deficit in the examinee’s daily life, such as particular...