norm referenced domain sampling
arnold on Sep 16, 2008
Most psychological constructs are of interest primarily because of the degree to which individuals differ in the amount to that attribute. When you think of the construct of intelligence you are interested in a test to show how much individuals differ. To develop a test that will differentiate a construct involves the major behavior components of the construct to be conceptualized. This is norm referenced measurement.
However, sometimes you need to measure an examinees performance in terms of more absolute levels of proficiency. For example achievement tests that want to certify proficiency of a subject. This is criterion referenced measurement.