What type of tests are interpreted based on data from normally functioning populations?

The concept of utilizing data from normally functioning populations directly relates to the development and interpretation of appropriate norms. These norms are established through extensive sampling of individuals from a specific demographic that reflects the characteristics of a typical or average group. Such norms serve as a benchmark for comparison when evaluating test scores, allowing clinicians to determine how an individual's results stack up against those from a typical population.

In contrast, standardized tests, while they may incorporate norms, do not exclusively focus on data from normally functioning individuals. They refer to uniform procedures for administration and scoring that enable consistent measurements. Norm-referenced assessments lean on these norms for interpretation but do not solely embrace the concept of "normal" populations; they can also reflect varying degrees of functioning. Criterion-referenced tests specifically measure a person's performance against a predefined set of criteria or standards, rather than comparing their performance to a normative group. Thus, the most precise answer in relation to tests interpreted based on data from normally functioning populations is indeed the focus on appropriate norms.