A Study of Construct Validity of an English Achievement Test

• Parra Gavilánez, Lorena ^[1] ; Calero Sánchez, Ximena Alexandra ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidad Técnica de Ambato

     Universidad Técnica de Ambato

     Ambato, Ecuador

     
• Localización: Revista Publicando, ISSN-e 1390-9304, Vol. 4, Nº. 12, 1, 2017, págs. 297-309
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen

  • The present article examined the extent of construct validity of a final achievement test given to Ecuadorian university students of B1 level who study English as a Foreign Language.  In order to obtain the data and analyse it, qualitative research methods and the interpretative paradigm led this investigation. A matrix based on Bachman and Palmer’s framework (1996) was created to collect the information of characteristics of input reflected in the test items. A group of experts in building achievement tests participated in the validation of the test, showing a level of agreement in their judgments. The results of the study revealed that there was a good match between some test items and some specific areas of the framework. However, there were sections of the test that could not be validated effectively which led to conclude that the test has partial construct validity. It was suggested that there is a need for training the teachers regarding to the design and validity of achievement tests as part of their professional development. 

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