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Education QUESTION #6776
Question 1
In a criterion-referenced test (CRT) context, a cut score of 70% is set to distinguish 'master' from 'non-master'. After the exam, 85% of students pass. Which statement about this result is MOST consistent with CRT principles?
  • This result is anomalous because CRT normally produces a normal distribution of scores
  • This result is expected and acceptable in CRT; mastery tests are designed with relatively easy items, and it is desirable that most students demonstrate mastery✔️
  • This outcome shows the test lacked discriminating power and should be revised for better spread
  • The cut score should be raised to 90% to reduce the pass rate to a more appropriate level
Correct Answer Explanation
In CRT, the test is designed to assess mastery of a defined set of skills; it does not aim to spread students along a distribution. It is entirely acceptable — even ideal — for most students to pass if they have mastered the content. Around 80% correct per item is the expected CRT item difficulty. The purpose is mastery verification, not comparison or ranking.