What type of assessment is based on a large number of participants to create a comparison group?

The assessment type that relies on data gathered from a large number of participants to establish a comparison group is norm-referenced assessment. This approach allows for the evaluation of an individual's performance in relation to the performance of a larger population. By using a norm group, which may consist of various demographic factors, it provides a benchmark for interpreting individual scores.

In the context of physical therapy, norm-referenced assessments can help clinicians determine where a patient stands compared to others with similar conditions or age demographics, enabling more tailored and effective therapeutic interventions. This model is particularly beneficial in identifying areas of strength and aspects needing improvement based on normative data, which can guide treatment plans and set realistic goals for patients.

Comparatively, criteria-referenced assessments measure an individual's performance against predefined standards or criteria, rather than against a large group. Dynamic assessments focus on a learner's potential through interactive assessments and formative assessments are ongoing evaluations intended to provide feedback for improving student learning, rather than comparison against a norm group. Each of these alternatives serves different purposes in assessment but does not employ a comparative group in the same way that norm-referenced assessments do.