How is percentile rank defined in testing?

Percentile rank is defined as the percentage of individuals in a normative sample who score at or below a specific score. This statistical measure is used to understand an individual's position relative to a larger group and provides context for interpreting raw scores. For example, if a student has a percentile rank of 75, this indicates that the student performed better than 75% of the participants in the sample, while 25% scored higher.

This approach helps educators and psychologists evaluate a student's performance within a broader context, making it easier to identify areas of strength and opportunity for growth. By focusing on where a score falls within a distribution of scores rather than on the score itself, percentile rank serves as a critical tool for making informed educational decisions.