Week 3 (chp. 4)

While reading chapter four in our textbook this week, I found myself alternating between having to read the terms and explanations several times and having some "Ah ha! Now I understand this a bit better!" moments. I liked learning the differences between criterion-referenced and norm-referenced interpretations.  This made sense to me and I started thinking about the different tests I have taken in my life. I pulled out my old GRE scores and read through the information about interpreting your scores. It made much more sense now! I looked at a table of general test mean scores showing results from a three year period. The number of examinees was 1.4 million (quite a sizable group!) and it listed their mean and standard deviation for the three parts of the test. The numbers made sense to me now whereas, a few weeks ago they didn't. I started thinking then about the height/weight charts at my daughter's pediatrician office and how they always show, at the yearly physical, where your child is on a growth curve. I admit that I am not a "numbers" person in many ways. We used to make jokes about my younger brother who did his high school's baseball teams statistics for fun. Really? Well now he has his MBA and is a CFO of a  very large non-profit organization in Ohio. He always loved numbers and it has translated into a vocation he is passionate about.

While I may not want to do statistics for fun, I do enjoy reading the finished product and I always am curious of how I am doing compared to others. I guess that is why I enjoy the D2L feature which allows you to see your grade compared to your classmates. I am gaining a much greater appreciation for what goes into that "finished product" now. This chapter was very helpful in breaking down different methods of scoring and helping me understand the material so I, in turn, can more easily interpret the scores to the clients I will be serving in the future.

Drummond, R. J. and Jones, K. (2010). Assessment procedures for counselors and helping
      professionals (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.