An Introduction to Applied Linguistics
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Norbert Schmitt (ed.) - An Introduction to Applied Linguistics (2010, Routledge) - libgen.li
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 Download 1.71 Mb. Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |
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