VALIDITY

Content Validity:        it means that the content is relevant to the requirements of the test. A specification of skills/structures is made at an early stage of test construction and later the test content is matched with those specifications to ensure validity. Not all things mentioned in the specifications can be included in the test, but the constructor will have some guidance towards selecting the most relevant items for it. Advantages: judges requirements accurately+ helpful backwash—distinguishes “what is important” from “what is easy”   

·         Criterion-related Validity:     comparing test results with results of criterion-referenced assessments. Validity Coefficient is a mathematical measurement of similarity. 1 means perfect agreement between two sets of scores. 0 means total lack of agreement

Ø  Concurrent Validity:    test and criterion assessment (abilities of individual students either tested by teacher in class or by a separate test) measured at about the same time, e.g. if the course objectives lists a number of oral functions to be taught to students and it takes about 45 mins to test each, some teachers may think 10 mins are enough for oral activity for each student. Teacher first ensures content validity of the 10-min test (functions of a 45-min test should be well represented in 10-min test). A sample of students undergoes both tests. If results match, the 10-min test is substituted for the longer one. If they don’t, the 45-min test alone stands valid.

Ø  Predictive Validity:      Degree to which a test predicts student’s future performance, e.g. a placement test is validated (once a course is under way) by seeing how many students it has misplaced. If the # of misplacements is more, amendments will be made (+ BW)

·         Construct Validity:     if a test measures accurately what it is intended to measure. Direct testing is recommended because indirect testing would include consulting theories on improving underlying skills and confirming, modifying or abandoning them. If indirect testing is used, references to that particular research in literature should be cited for validity.   

·         Face Validity:    if a test looks like it measures what it is supposed to measure. Lack of Face Validity of a test results in rejection of that test by students, teachers, and authorities. Students’ performance is not measured accurately considering their reaction to test content which looks irrelevant.