calibration
n. the process of assigning values to a measuring device (instrument, test, or scale) relative to a reference standard. For example, it would be useful to compare the scores on a new test of intelligence with those from an older, well-accepted test to ensure that the new test scores provide comparable ratings or values. To do so, a researcher might select a group of people (the calibration sample), administer each individual both the old and new tests, and then assess the results.