What term describes a random group selected to provide a range of scores for test development?

The term that describes a random group selected to provide a range of scores for test development is "norm group." In the context of test development, a norm group is typically composed of individuals whose scores are used to establish a baseline or reference, allowing for the comparison of individual test results against the normative data.

Using a norm group is crucial for determining the mean, median, and standard deviation of test scores, which helps in understanding how an individual's performance relates to that of their peers. It enables test developers to create a scoring framework that is representative of the population for which the test is intended. By analyzing how members of the norm group perform, developers can identify appropriate cut scores and interpret test results in a meaningful way, ensuring that the assessments are both fair and reliable.

Other options, such as a sample group, would refer more generally to any subset of individuals drawn from a larger population, not necessarily for establishing norms. A control group is typically used in experimentation to compare outcomes and ascertain the effects of a variable. A test group is a more informal term and lacks the specific connotation associated with norm-referenced assessment. Thus, the norm group is the most accurate and appropriate term in the context of test development for establishing standards and comparing scores.