Universität Wien

122251 AR Advanced Course in Linguistics (2019W)

Linguistic perspectives on validity in language testing

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 17.10. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 24.10. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 31.10. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 07.11. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 14.11. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 21.11. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 28.11. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 05.12. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 12.12. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 09.01. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 16.01. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 23.01. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A
  • Thursday 30.01. 16:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 6 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-22.A

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Linguistic perspectives on validity in language testing

Language tests play a powerful role in many people’s lives. Thus, an understanding of language testing is relevant not only for those who create such tests but also for those who use test scores in practical as well as research contexts. But what exactly do language tests measure? Two central questions in language testing and assessment are construct definition and validation, i.e. defining and validating what a language test is intended to measure. Accordingly, construct definition, along with the question of validity, is at the heart of much of the theoretical and empirical work done in the field.

The aim of this course is to develop a critical understanding of key issues involved in construct definition and validation from the perspective of applied linguistics. After reviewing various approaches to construct definition and validation in view of the linguistic perspectives informing them, we will engage in a construct characterisation project, using empirical test data. In particular, we will explore the relationship between linguistic properties of test items and item difficulty. We will also investigate the effect of test-method features on test difficulty, linking the findings back to the question of validity.

The main methods used in this course include reading-based discussions, (online) assignments, group work, mini lectures, project (incl. data analysis), and oral presentations.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment will be based on students' own/group projects, continuous assessment (classwork/homework), an oral presentation and a final written assignment.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Attendance (max. 2 absences)

The final grade for this course is based on three components:
Part 1: Classwork/homework
Participation in class (15%)
Assignment 1 (10%)
Assignment 2 (10%)
Assignment 3 (15%)
Part 2: Oral presentation (20%)
Part 3: Final written assignment (30%)

Examination topics

Continuous assessment based on what is covered in the course. Details on assignments given in class and on Moodle.

Reading list

Information on required readings will be provided on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

Studium: UF 344; MA 812 [2]; UF MA 046/507
Code/Modul: UF 4.2.3-223-225, MA M04, MA M05, UF MA 4B
Lehrinhalt: 12-0143

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:20