汉译英作为新cet语法结构测试题型的效度分析word格式论文.docxVIP

Chapter 2 Literature reviewValidityValidity is undoubtedly an essential quality of any good language test. A test is said to be valid if it measures accurately what it is intended to measure (Hughes 1989: 22). Bachman (1990: 236) pointed out that “the primary concern in test development and use is demonstrating not only that test scores are reliable, but that the interpretations and uses we make of test scores are valid.” Likewise, many other researchers and experts have also recognized the importance of test validity. Thus, just as Hughes has emphasized, “tests for which validity information is not available should be treated with caution.”So it goes without saying that to ensure validity is the primary task in test design and development. The most important question of all in language testing is “does the test test what it is supposed to test?” To answer this question, test developers need to gather as much and varied information as possible to validate a test.The definition of validityResearchers and scholars have not reached a consensus on the one standard definition of validity. Apart from Hughes’ definition quoted above, many other testing researchers have provided their own definitions. To cite just a few:Messick (1989:13) describes validity as “an integrated evaluative judgment of the degree to which empirical evidence and theoretical rationales support the adequacy and appropriateness of inferences and actions based on test scores.The primary purpose to construct and administer a test is to make inferences about certain abilities of test-takers from the test results and thus to make decisions based on these factors. In Messick’s view, a test proves to be valid if sufficient evidence can be gathered to back up the inferences and decisions made on the basis of the relevant test scores.The definition given by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testingalso holds the similar view: “validity....is a unitary concept. Although evidence may be accumulat