What is the term for a performance standard used in IQ tests?

The correct response is "Norm" because, in the context of IQ tests, norms are established performance standards that allow for comparison between individuals' scores. Norms are derived from a representative sample of a population and illustrate how an individual’s performance on the test compares to others. This is essential for interpreting an individual's score meaningfully, as it provides context regarding where they stand relative to the average performance of the population.

By utilizing norms, psychologists can assess whether a person's IQ score falls within a typical range or indicates some deviation from the standard expectations. This mapping of scores to a normative framework helps to ensure that the assessment is valid and reliable across different demographics.

In contrast, the other terms, like mean, median, and standard deviation, relate to statistical measures but do not serve as performance standards in the same way. The mean represents the average score, the median is the middle score when data is arranged in order, and standard deviation measures the variation or spread of scores. While these concepts contribute to understanding the distribution of scores, they do not serve as the benchmark for interpreting an IQ score.