Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a criterion‐referenced measure of articulation accuracy?

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a criterion‐referenced measure of articulation accuracy?

• A. Standardized procedures to ensure consistent administration and scoring
• B. A normative sample is used to identify scores that are below normal limits
• C. A threshold level of performance required to pass is described
• D. A hierarchy of cues is used to obtain the child's best performance

Answer: (C)

Criterion-referenced measures focus on a fixed standard of mastery for articulation. The defining feature is describing a threshold level of performance that must be met to pass, such as a specific percentage of correct productions or a required level of accuracy across contexts. This allows you to determine whether the child has achieved the targeted articulation goals, independent of how others perform. By contrast, norm-referenced assessments compare a child’s results to a normative sample to identify scores below typical levels, which is not the primary aim of criterion-referenced measures. Although procedures or prompting strategies may be used in testing, the essential idea here is the explicit passing criterion that indicates mastery of the sounds or processes.

Criterion-referenced measures focus on a fixed standard of mastery for articulation. The defining feature is describing a threshold level of performance that must be met to pass, such as a specific percentage of correct productions or a required level of accuracy across contexts. This allows you to determine whether the child has achieved the targeted articulation goals, independent of how others perform. By contrast, norm-referenced assessments compare a child’s results to a normative sample to identify scores below typical levels, which is not the primary aim of criterion-referenced measures. Although procedures or prompting strategies may be used in testing, the essential idea here is the explicit passing criterion that indicates mastery of the sounds or processes.