Dynamic Norming for Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts

What is it about?

This study examines whether a new system of norm-referencing, dynamic norming, might be feasible. In contrast to "static norms" in which a fixed normative group is used to evaluate client performance, "Dynamic Norms" allows the clinician to select a subset of individuals from a database who reflect the important characteristics of the test taker to serve as a norm-referenced group for standardized testing. In this demonstration of Dynamic Norms, we consider the principles involved and the sample sizes needed to provide a stable normative comparison for language sample analysis using the SALT system.

Featured Image

Photo by Husna Miskandar on Unsplash

Photo by Husna Miskandar on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Being able to select a normative sample that is more like the test taker in terms of important characteristics can provide a more accurate view of performance. Although this paper considered only age, other applications of Dynamic Norming might incorporate characteristics like sex, socio-economic status, educational status, racial/ethinic groups, or language variation. Therefore, the principles behind Dynamic Norms are a potentially powerful way to reduce assessment bias and increase assessment accuracy.