December 2010

Validity control in language proficiency testing (in Greek) 
by Antonis Tsopanoglou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
[abstract] [html] [pdf]

This article examines the term validity as a cohesive and multidimensional concept of scientific research methodology, as suggested by Messick (1989) and Bachman (1990). Its aim, and hence its contribution, is dual. Firstly, it sets out to identify seven dimensions of validity which are considered crucial in language proficiency testing, itself viewed as a research process. Secondly, it raises a series of questions which may serve as guide to those who are responsible for language proficiency testing. The same questions are, of course, also useful to those who are responsible for assessing the validity of language testing and certification systems. In the last part of the article, I discuss and present schematically those processes of validity control which seem to serve most appropriately the internal and external evaluation of a system.

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