Answer: Assuming you mean standards of comparison in evaluation/assessment: they are reference points or criteria (benchmarks, norms, rubrics, baselines) used to judge, rank, or measure the performance, quality, or value of something.
Explanation: A standard of comparison gives you a frame of reference so you can say whether A is better/worse/equal to B or meets/doesn’t meet expectations. Common forms:
- Benchmarks or targets (e.g., “score 80% on the test”).
- Norms or averages (e.g., national test average used to compare a student’s score).
- Rubrics with explicit criteria and levels (used in grading essays or projects).
- Baselines or control groups in experiments (to measure change or effect).
Types: absolute standards (fixed criteria you must meet) and relative standards (performance compared to others). Good standards are clear, measurable, valid (measure what they claim), and fair. Examples: company KPIs, grading rubrics, industry safety standards, and national percentile ranks for test scores.