Which assessment technique uses standardized testing to compare an individual's performance against the average of a population?

Norm-referenced assessments are designed specifically to evaluate an individual's performance by comparing it to a predetermined population average, often referred to as the "norm group." This type of assessment utilizes standardized testing methodologies, which provide a clear framework for understanding how an individual measures up against peers or a broader population.

In norm-referenced assessments, scores are typically expressed in terms of percentiles or standard deviations, allowing educators and psychologists to identify where a student stands in relation to the norm group. This can be particularly useful for understanding relative strengths and weaknesses in areas such as cognitive abilities, academic skills, or specific domains of learning.

On the other hand, criterion-referenced assessments focus on measuring a student's performance against specific learning objectives or standards, rather than comparing them to their peers. Descriptive assessments provide qualitative or narrative information about a student's abilities rather than quantitative comparisons. Formative assessments are generally ongoing evaluations intended to monitor student learning and provide feedback for improvement, rather than a comparison to a broader population.

The focus on comparison to a normative group makes norm-referenced assessments the correct choice in this context.