Which type of assessment is often standardized using a selected sample of a larger group?

The correct response highlights the nature of formal testing, which typically follows a standardized format and is frequently used to measure various aspects of learning and performance across a defined group. These assessments are designed with established protocols and norms, allowing for comparison against a representative sample of the broader population. This standardization involves utilizing a specific group that exemplifies different demographic and educational characteristics, providing a benchmark for evaluating individual or group performance.

Formal testing is essential in educational settings, as it yields results that can be statistically analyzed and compared, offering insights into students’ achievements and areas for improvement. This process helps educators and stakeholders make informed decisions based on reliable data regarding student performance relative to widely accepted standards.

In contrast, anecdotal assessments rely on observational accounts and qualitative data rather than standardized measures. Curriculum-referenced tests assess understanding in relation to specific curricular goals, typically without the same level of standardization as formal testing. Dysnomia evaluations specifically focus on an individual's difficulties with word retrieval and are not standardized in the broad sense associated with traditional tests, making them different from formal testing methods.