What type of test is the Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Education Battery?

The Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery is classified as a cognitive or norm-referenced test because it assesses an individual's cognitive abilities and academic skills by comparing their performance to that of a normative sample. This means it provides insights into where a person's scores fall in relation to the broader population, enabling educators and psychologists to evaluate cognitive strengths and weaknesses in a standardized manner.

Norm-referenced tests, such as the Woodcock Johnson, utilize data collected from a representative group to establish benchmarks against which an individual's scores can be compared. This allows for more objective interpretations of test results, making it easier for professionals to identify specific learning needs or disabilities. The test is widely used to inform instructional decisions and interventions tailored to individual student needs.

In contrast, a criterion-referenced test measures a test taker's performance against a specific set of criteria or learning standards, which does not apply to the Woodcock Johnson. Subjective assessments rely on personal judgment or opinions rather than standardized measures, and performance-based tests assess skills through practical tasks or demonstrations, neither of which are the defining characteristics of the Woodcock Johnson.