Which approach relies on normative data to guide intervention decisions, rather than functional outcomes?

• A. ICF approach (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health)
• B. Norm-referenced approach
• C. Medical approach
• D. Predictive Assessment Approach

Answer: (B)

Relying on normative data means decisions about intervention are driven by how a person’s performance compares to a large, representative sample, rather than by how they function in real life. In a norm-referenced approach, standardized scores or percentile ranks determine whether intervention is indicated, based on where the individual falls relative to peers. This emphasizes comparison to norms over measuring everyday functioning or participation in daily activities.

For example, if a child scores below the typical range on a language test, the norm-referenced approach would flag the need for intervention based on that comparison, even if the child’s day-to-day communication works reasonably well in certain contexts. By contrast, frameworks like the ICF focus on actual functioning and participation in real-life contexts; medical approaches center on diagnosing or treating a condition; predictive assessment looks at forecasting future status, often using patterns from data, but not primarily driven by normative comparisons.