DETERMINATION OF NORMATIVE SCORES OF THE DEVELOPED STANDARDIZED SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT TEST (MAT)

Authors

  • Christogonus Onyemaechi Nweke Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Julius O. Ugama Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Obeten Okoi Oka Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Ikporo Festus Boss Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Nwodo Mary Odinaka Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Irene Egbe Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Igwe Micheal Igwe Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Nweke Benjamine Ifeanyi Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Kpirigbe Benjamine Arobor Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Ukworu Amarachi Favour Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Mgbogo Sunday Ogbule Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Augustina Nnenna Awoke Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i8.6960

Keywords:

standardized test, norm-test, Z-test, stanine, percentile ranks, and normalized T-test

Abstract

The roles of norm scores in the interpretation and comparison of test scores in education assessment motivated the researchers to conduct this study. The design of the study was an instrumentation research design. Five hundred and ten (510) SS2 students selected from public and private schools across the three education zones of Ebonyi State were sampled for the study. The population of the study was all the SS2 students in their third term of SS2 class. Three research questions guided the study. The instrument for data collection was the Ebonyi State Ministry of Education-developed MAT achievement test. Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS computer package. The analysis yielded the mean, standard deviation and the transformed standard scores (Z-scores, T-scores, Percentile Ranks and Stanine ranks). Based on the outcome of this study, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Education was advised to integrate these developed norm values into the components of this MATS standardized test; develop a norm-referenced standardized test in all subjects taught in schools in the state; and mandate the State Universal Basic Education Board to develop norm-reference scores for the unified examination for basic schools to raise the standard of their test instrument.

Author Biographies

  • Christogonus Onyemaechi Nweke, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Christogonus Onyemaechi Nweke is a University Lecturer in Department of Science Education Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. His research focus is on Measurement and Evaluation with research interest in Foundational Learning.

    ORCID: http://orcid.org/0009-0008-6196-9751  

  • Julius O. Ugama, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Julius O. Ugama is a senior Lecturer in Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. His research focus is on Mathematics Education.

  • Obeten Okoi Oka, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Obeten Okoi Oka is a Lecturer in the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria. His area of specialization is on Biology Education.

  • Ikporo Festus Boss, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Ikporo Festus Boss is a lecturerin the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. His area of specialization is on Biology Education.

  • Nwodo Mary Odinaka, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
    Nwodo Mary Odinaka is a lecturer in the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her area of specialization is Physics Education.
  • Irene Egbe, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
    Dr. Egbe Irene is a senior Lecturer in Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her research focus is Mathematics Education.
  • Igwe Micheal Igwe, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Igwe Micheal Igwe is a lecturerin the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her area of specialization is Mathematics Education.

  • Nweke Benjamine Ifeanyi, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Nweke Benjamine Ifeanyi is a PG studentin the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her area of specialization is Mathematics Education.

  • Kpirigbe Benjamine Arobor, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Kpirigbe Benjamine Arobor is a PG studentin the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her area of specialization is Mathematics Education.

  • Ukworu Amarachi Favour, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Ukworu Amarachi Favour is a PG studentin the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her area of specialization is His research focus is on Measurement and Evaluation with research interest in Foundational Learning.

  • Mgbogo Sunday Ogbule, Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Mgbogo Sunday Ogbule is a PG studentin the Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her area of specialization is Science Education.

  • Augustina Nnenna Awoke, Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Augustina Nnenna Awoke is a lecturerin the Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Her area of specialization is Economics Education.

References

K Schools (2026). Norm-referenced test: meaning, types, examples and benefits. Retrieved from https://www.21kschools.com

Alabama Parental Education Center APEC (2026). Test norming, standard scores and psychometric standards.

Anastesi, A. & Urbina, S. (2010). Psychological Testing. Pearson. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Psychological_Testing.html?id=lfFGAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

Asuk, U. W. (2021). The challenges of test assessment and evaluation in the 21st century Nigeria education system. Journal of Education and Society. 11(3) 1755-1767. Retrieved from https://foeiaue.ng/publications/Volume11_Issue3/10.pdf

Bond, L A. (2015). Norm and Creation-Reference Testing. SCRIBD. https://doi.org/10.7275/dy7r-2x18

Bishop, C. (2026). Pattern recognition and machine learning. Springer. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Pattern_Recognition_and_Machine_Learning.html?hl=cs&id=kOXDtAEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Denga, D. I. (2017). Science and Mathematics Education as Key to Nigeria’s Technological Boom in the 21st Century. Akamkpa, Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 1(1), 98-100.

Cronbach, L. J. (1990). Essentials of Psychological Testing Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Essentials_of_Psychological_Testing.html?id=l_8MAAAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y

FRN (2017). National policy on education (NPE), 5th edition. Nigeria. Research and Development Council, Press, Lagos.

Han, J. (2022). Data mining concepts and techniques. Morgan Kaufman. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Data_Mining_Concepts_and_Techniques.html?id=pQws07tdpjoC&redir_esc=y

Hedge, M. N., & Pomaville, F. (2021). Assessment of communication disorder in children. Resources and Protocols. 4th Edition. Plural Publishing. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Assessment_of_Communication_Disorders_in.html?id=oEYgEAAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

Kline, P. (2015). A Handbook of Test Construction. Introduction to Psychometric Design. Routledge. Retrieved from https://www.routledge.com/A-Handbook-of-Test-Construction-Introduction-to-Psychometric-Design/Kline/p/book/9781138905122

Kubi, J.A. (2021). Assessing Content Validity of West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination Core Mathematics Question. University of Cape Coast. Institutional Repository. Retrieved from https://ir.ucc.edu.gh/server/api/core/bitstreams/dccc131f-156d-453a-87b6-fd0027599721/content

Nwagu, E. K, N. (2023). Development and standardization of social studies achievement test (SSATS). Unpublished PhD thesis. University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nworgu, B. G. (2017). Educational research: basic issues and methodology. 2nd edition. Nsukka: University Trust Publishers.

Osadebe, P. U. (2016). Construction and standardization of an economic achievement test for Senior Secondary School students. Unpublished PhD Thesis. University of Port Harcourt. Rivers State. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269836798_Construction_of_Economics_Achievement_Test_for_Assessment_of_Students

Quora (2026). Is Standard deviation useful in Psychology? Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Is-standard-deviation-and-correlation-useful-in-psychology-Why

Stafford, M. E. (2026). Standardized scores, what do you measure up? SAGE Research Methods. Retrieved from https://methods.sagepub.com/book/mono/testing-and-measurement/chpt/standardized-scores-do-you-measure-up#_

Standford Information (2018). University survey and assessment services (USAS). University of Minnesota, USA.

Study.com (2025). Standardization & norms in psychological tests. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/standardization-and-norms-of-psychological-tests.html

Study.com (2026). Stanine score /definition, calculation and uses. Retrieved from https://study.com/learn/lesson/stanine-score-uses-examples.html

Formplus (2026). Assessment tools: types, examples, & importance. Retrieved from https://www.formpl.us/blog/asssessment-tools

Thorndike, R. & Hagen E. (1969). Measurement and evaluation in education and psychology. Third Edition. John Wiley & Son Inc. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Measurement_and_Evaluation_in_Psychology.html?id=QsKdAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

Toor, G. (2005). Meaning, purpose and characteristics of a test. GHG Khalsa College of Education.

Vasu, D. J. (2019). Pedagogical of mathematics. Retrieved from www.pedagogybyvasu.blogspot.com

WordPress.com (2026). Why standard deviation. Retrieved from www.scheung10.wordpress.com

Downloads

Published

2026-08-25

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 8 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).