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ERIC Number: ED461282
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1997
Pages: 31
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Development of an English Speaking Test--Establishing Validity through Multitrait-Multimethod (MTMM) Analysis.
Nakamura, Yuji
Educational Studies, n39 p141-167 March 1997
The process of designing and validating a test of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) speaking skills is described. The study examined: (1) whether nine traits (pronunciation, grammar, discourse, fluency, content, vocabulary, comprehensibility, interactional competence, sociolinguistic competence) are relevant and separable parts of speaking ability; (2) whether there is a relationship between test methods and language ability; (3) whether the traits are fundamental elements of ability; and (4) how the traits are related. Three testing methods were compared: a written test; an interview test; and a tape-mediated speaking test. Results indicate that three factors obtained through factor analysis correspond to three methods for measuring ability: written communication ability; direct oral communication ability; and semi-direct oral communication ability. The traits appear to work differently within each ability. Implications are drawn for teaching and for further testing research. (Contains 19 references.) (MSE)
Publication Type: Journal Articles
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Published by International Christian University.