VALIDITY ENQUIRY into a LANGUAGE TEST : An Experience in Chile

ISBN-13: 9783639125672 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 80 str.

Pablo Fernando Silva Ríos

Opis

Is this test actually assessing what it is supposed to be assessing? , a key question that is frequently neglected or taken for granted. However, when looking into tests and results more carefully, we often realize that the answer is No, it doesn t . Test validity can be a challenging issue. This research project aims at finding evidence to sustain the validity of using the scores of a proficiency test, the Antofagasta Test (AT), to infer the test takers English language ability. The methodology adopted includes the statistical analysis of test performance, including test reliability; content validity and construct validity. Findings suggest that the AT s scores may be validly used for its purpose and context to an acceptable degree despite some deficiencies such as test difficulty, design and reliability, and full agreement with contents and constructs.

O autorze

EFL teacher and teacher-trainer since 1993, has trained students
of all ages mostly in Chile. MA in Applied Linguistics, Lancaster
University in 2005. Interested in curriculum development and EFL
assessment and Assessment For Learning. Currently involved in
curriculum and assessment projects in the Ministry of Education,
Chile.