An Introduction to Applied Linguistics

Figure 15.1 Fundamental components of testing
Construct Definition
On the surface, terms such as ‘language proficiency’ may make the construct of 
language ability seem simple and easily defined. However, researchers who develop 
language tests and validate score use find that such a general term is of little use. 
They confront issues such as whether or not examinees’ selection of the correct 
verb tense on a multiple-choice question should be considered to reflect language 
proficiency, writing ability, grammatical competence or knowledge of verb tense. 
In other words, language testing researchers need to be precise about what a test 
is intended to measure, and so they develop the conceptual apparatus to do so.
Ability/Performance Constructs
Construct definition is connected to all aspects of the testing process, as illustrated 
in Figure 15.1, because the construct is what influences the test developers choice of 
testing method, the intended meaning of the test scores, and the appropriateness 
of the test use. What is important to note here is that the construct is not one 
and the same as the test method, test score or test use, but that the link between 
the construct and these other aspects of the testing process involves drawing an 
inference across two components. For example, when test users interpret a test 
score, they are engaged in a process of inference which involves, for example, 
drawing conclusions about language capacities on the basis of evidence from 
test performance. An inference might be made about test-takers’ ‘grammatical 
competence’ on the basis of their responses to questions such as the verb tense 
question mentioned above, as well as questions on other linguistic features such 
as relative clauses, placement of adverbs and subordinating conjunctions. The 
fact that inferences are made on the basis of a test score denotes an important fact 
Decision about 
examinee
Examinee’s 
language 
performance
Examinee’s 
language 
capacities
Test score
Testing methods

---

250 An Introduction to Applied Linguistics
in language testing: that the score itself is not the object of interest to test users. 
What is of interest is the test taker’s level with respect to the construct the test 
measures, which in turn is connected to what a test-taker might be expected to be 
capable of in non-test settings. If the concept of a construct definition is viewed 
in this way, it is possible to see the two distinct approaches that have been taken 
to construct definition by the language testing researchers.
Unobservable ability
Performance on a test
Performance in non-
test settings
Inference
Inference