Norming is defined as the process of obtaining scores from a randomly selected group for comparison to future groups to determine uniform levels of success on the tested information.

• A. Setting performance standards across groups
• B. Predicting future test outcomes for individuals
• C. Scores obtained by a randomly selected group of test takers for comparison to future groups of test takers to determine uniform levels of success on the tested information
• D. Evaluating the reliability of items

Answer: (C)

Norming is creating a reference by administering the test to a randomly selected group and using their scores as a benchmark. This normative sample provides a distribution (average, spread, percentiles) that future test-takers can be compared against, so their scores are interpreted relative to a standard population rather than against a fixed pass/fail criterion. This allows consistent interpretation across administrations.

This chosen description fits best because it explicitly includes obtaining scores from a representative group and comparing future groups to that benchmark to determine what scores indicate relative standing. It’s not about setting minimum standards (that’s standard-setting), predicting individual outcomes (that’s predictive validity), or evaluating item reliability (consistency of items), which are different purposes in testing.