On the Concept of Criterion‐referenced Measurement

S ummary . The distinction between norm‐referenced measurement and criterion‐referenced measurement is discussed, particular emphasis being laid upon inter‐subject variability. Three important areas of application are suggested: curriculum development; the assessment of developmental levels and the construction of diagnostic/remediation programmes. Psychometric issues surrounding the selection of criteria and suitable items are considered with reference to these and the possibility of individual item‐sampling procedures is mentioned. It is considered that criterion‐referenced test construction will require a change of emphasis from the assessment of individual differences to the identification of learning criteria and individual performance relative to these.