A Generalizability Theory Study on the Assessment of Task-Based Reading Performance

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The present study describes the first step in the development and validation of a task-based reading performance test. We designed 6 information transfer task test items in which test-takers were required to transfer what they comprehended from passages (e.g., reading a travel schedule and communicating it to circle members via email). To validate extrapolations on the construct validity of our task-based reading performance test, this study examined the reliability of the test scores by performing a generalizability theory study and a qualitative analysis of rating approaches. In particular, we considered 3 factors (task characteristics, number of raters, and type of rating scale) that affect the reliability of observed scores to obtain an appropriate rating scale and procedure. Over 3 weeks of English classes, 122 Japanese university students completed the 6 different reading tasks. Their reading task outcomes were scored by 6 raters using either a task-dependent or task-independent rating scale. A generalizability study suggested that the 2 types of rating scale could be used alternatively, but qualitative analysis revealed that the 2 rating procedures differed in scoring of local errors associated with detailed information, appropriate reorganization of passage contents, and appropriateness of sociolinguistic elements. Moreover, a decision study demonstrated that the reliability of the observed scores was strongly affected by the number of tasks. To obtain a strictly high-reliability coefficient (.80), 7 tasks by 3 raters are desirable using the task-independent rating scale, while 9 tasks by 3 raters are necessary using the task-dependent rating scale. This study suggested the applicability of task-based reading performance tests and points to be noted for the test implementation from the viewpoints of test material development, scoring procedures, and possible washback effects on teaching and learning of English as a foreign language.

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