What is a criterion-referenced test designed to assess?

A criterion-referenced test is specifically designed to assess a student’s mastery of specific content or skills. This type of test measures whether a student has achieved certain criteria or standards, reflecting their understanding and ability in a defined area of learning. Unlike norm-referenced tests, which compare a student's performance to that of a peer group, criterion-referenced tests focus solely on the individual's ability to perform tasks or demonstrate knowledge based on predetermined benchmarks. This approach is particularly useful in educational settings to ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge before advancing to more complex material.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of a criterion-referenced test. For example, assessing a student's overall IQ relates to intelligence testing, while evaluating creative writing ability would involve subjective measures of artistic expression, which do not conform to specific criteria. Furthermore, comparing students' athletic skills typically involves norm-referenced assessments that gauge performance relative to peers rather than mastery of specific athletic standards.