Norming bias arises when:

Norming bias arises when:

• A. The norming sample excludes English language learners
• B. The test has overly difficult items
• C. Instructions are unclear
• D. Scoring rubrics are inconsistent

Answer: (A)

Norming bias happens when the group used to create the test’s normative data doesn’t represent the people who will take the test. If the norming sample excludes English language learners, the resulting norms reflect only native speakers and similar groups. That means scores for ELLs are interpreted against standards that don’t match their background, which can unfairly distort their interpreted ability and performance. In short, the norms are biased because the reference group isn’t representative of all test-takers, especially ELLs. The other scenarios involve item difficulty, unclear administration instructions, or inconsistent scoring—issues that affect difficulty or reliability, not the representativeness of the normative sample.

Norming bias happens when the group used to create the test’s normative data doesn’t represent the people who will take the test. If the norming sample excludes English language learners, the resulting norms reflect only native speakers and similar groups. That means scores for ELLs are interpreted against standards that don’t match their background, which can unfairly distort their interpreted ability and performance. In short, the norms are biased because the reference group isn’t representative of all test-takers, especially ELLs. The other scenarios involve item difficulty, unclear administration instructions, or inconsistent scoring—issues that affect difficulty or reliability, not the representativeness of the normative sample.