Which type of assessment focuses on comparing client performance to specific standards?

A criterion-referenced assessment is focused specifically on measuring a client's performance against established standards or criteria. This type of assessment allows practitioners to determine whether the client has achieved specific competencies or skills, rather than comparing their performance to that of a broader population.

In occupational therapy, criterion-referenced assessments can help professionals evaluate whether a client meets the necessary benchmarks for a given task or activity, making it a valuable tool in goal-setting and tracking progress. This type of assessment is particularly important when the aim is to ensure that the client has reached a particular level of performance needed for successful participation in daily activities or occupational roles.

In contrast, standardized assessments measure performance through structured protocols and ensure consistency in administration and scoring but may not necessarily focus on specific criteria. Norm-referenced assessments compare an individual's performance to that of a normative group, which can provide useful context, but do not specifically focus on a set standard of performance. Formative assessments are designed to monitor learning progress and provide feedback throughout the learning process but are not specifically focused on comparing client performance against established standards.