Final answer:
The PEDI and PEDI-CAT are primarily criterion-referenced tools used to evaluate a child's functional performance against a set of standards. These tools can sometimes incorporate norm-referenced measures for comparison with a normative population, yet the focus remains on individual assessment based on criteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The PEDI (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory) and the PEDI-CAT (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test) are tools used to evaluate the functional performance of children and youth with various conditions. The question at hand is whether these tools are norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, or both. Analyzing evidence from academic sources, they are primarily criterion-referenced, since they measure a child's performance against a pre-defined set of criteria or standards, rather than comparing it to the performance of a normative sample of peers. This approach is crucial, especially in the context of pediatric healthcare as it allows for individualized assessment and tailored intervention strategies.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that in some contexts, these assessments can incorporate aspects of norm-referenced measures for the purpose of comparing a child's scores to a normative population when that is clinically appropriate. Nonetheless, the primary function of PEDI and PEDI-CAT remains to be criterion-focused, setting them apart as valuable tools in pediatric care. Furthermore, regulatory approaches in pediatric drug testing, such as those outlined by Politis (2005), emphasize the evolution and importance of pediatric-specific criteria in ensuring the efficacy and safety of medications for children.