Language Testing Fairness Framework

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Questions and Answers

How is fairness conceptualized in relation to validity?

Fairness is independent of validity.

Fairness is a subcategory of validity.

Fairness nullifies the need for validity.

Fairness is treated as an aspect of validity. (correct)

What does the fairness argument provide in a validity argument?

Support for validity without further research.

A way to ignore social consequences in testing.

A mechanism for identifying critical research areas. (correct)

A method for increasing bias in testing results.

According to the 1999 Standards, fairness includes which of the following elements?

Early access to test materials for select groups.

Generalization of test results across demographics.

Presumption of success for all test takers.

Equitable treatment of all test takers. (correct)

What is a significant barrier to empirical research in language testing?

Piecemeal nature of current empirical research. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of fairness is emphasized in the fairness argument?

Impartiality and justice of actions based on test results. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a view on test fairness motivated by broader social justice theories?

Test fairness requires equitable treatment of all test takers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of fairness as described in the 1999 Standards?

Uniformity in test score distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the TOEFL® iBTTM play in the context of fairness?

It is an example of how to support a fairness argument in validity. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily affected by construct-irrelevant factors in assessment tasks?

The relationship between the test and other measures Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a result of construct-irrelevant factors according to the content?

Variations in test scores related to language component structure Signup and view all the answers

How does the quality and amount of experience in learning English affect test performance?

It increases the variability of performance across tests. Signup and view all the answers

What does the internal structure of test scores represent?

Highly interrelated components of language proficiency Signup and view all the answers

Why are different factor structures identified for diverse test taker groups?

Because of construct-irrelevant factors affecting performance. Signup and view all the answers

What can significantly lead to variations in test scores among learners?

The amount and quality of English learning experience Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a correct understanding of the impact of performance on the test measures?

They relate to other test-based measures of performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of strategies required for completing assessment tasks?

The alignment with proficiency expectations across various groups Signup and view all the answers

What are the two unique fairness qualities Kunnan emphasizes that have been neglected in previous work?

Access and administration Signup and view all the answers

How does Kunnan define fairness in the context of testing?

As a quality that includes validity and absence of bias Signup and view all the answers

Which fairness quality does Kunnan associate most closely with traditional fairness concepts?

Absence of bias Signup and view all the answers

What is noted as a primary concern of current validity theories according to the discussion?

Appropriateness of score-based decisions and consequences Signup and view all the answers

What suggestion is made regarding Kunnan's fairness qualities in the framework?

A mechanism is needed to integrate them into an overall fairness argument. Signup and view all the answers

Which characterization of test fairness does NOT align with the 1999 Standards?

Fairness as equality of testing outcomes for different test taker groups Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does Kunnan's framework exhibit in relation to fairness research?

It lacks guidance for planning and prioritizing fairness research. Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity evidence should be gathered to support test fairness according to the 1999 Standards?

Evidence related to the internal structure of test scores for different sub-groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT highlighted as a fairness quality in Kunnan's work?

Control over assessment conditions Signup and view all the answers

How do the 1999 Standards define fairness in the context of diverse linguistic backgrounds?

By considering the unique understanding of language within diverse groups Signup and view all the answers

How do McNamara and Roever view the concept of test fairness?

As encompassing various different aspects Signup and view all the answers

What does the 1999 Standards suggest about the relationship between fairness and validity?

Fairness should be considered when assessing the validity of tests. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as crucial in the assessment of fairness according to the 1999 Standards?

The examination of construct irrelevant factors for sub-groups Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of testing is NOT mentioned as a fairness issue in the 1999 Standards?

Assessing the societal implications of testing Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome expected when test takers from different groups have equal standing on the construct of interest?

On average, they should receive the same test score. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evidence does the 1999 Standards NOT specify in relation to test fairness?

Evidence solely from the perspective of test administrators Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the International Language Testing Association's Code of Ethics?

Ensuring fair practices in language assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which study primarily discusses bias in mental testing?

Jensen, H.R. (1980) Signup and view all the answers

What type of testing does Kane, M.T. (2002) focus on validating?

High-stakes testing programs Signup and view all the answers

Which publication addresses the methodological challenges in Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in language testing?

A synthesis of research on DIF in language testing Signup and view all the answers

The Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education was published by which organization?

Joint Committee on Testing Practices Signup and view all the answers

Which author's work discusses the internal construct validity of the Advanced Placement Spanish language examination?

Ginther, A. & Stevens, J. Signup and view all the answers

What document outlines guidelines for fairness by the Educational Testing Service in 2003?

ETS standards for quality and fairness Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to validity is associated with Kane, M.T.?

Argument-based validation Signup and view all the answers

What does the characterization of fairness as a facet of validity primarily demand?

Support for comparability of assessment results for relevant sub-groups. Signup and view all the answers

How do fairness arguments function within the framework of validity?

They serve as rebuttals to validity arguments affecting comparability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of integrating fairness into validity according to the text?

It underscores impartiality and justice of actions related to tests. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rebuttal is emphasized in the discussion about fairness?

Type 2 rebuttals that challenge validity for specific sub-groups. Signup and view all the answers

What role does emerging research on validity arguments play in the context of fairness?

It aids in substantiating fairness research and practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is at the core of fairness as discussed in the content?

Impartiality and justice in actions based on test results. Signup and view all the answers

How do fairness issues impact score-based decisions according to the content?

They complicate and inform decisions and consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'fairness argument' in the context of the content?

A logical structure that supports a fairness viewpoint. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Language Testing Article Summary

Investigating Test Fairness: The article proposes an approach for fairness research and practice, treating fairness as an aspect of validity (comparable validity for all relevant groups). Anything that weakens fairness compromises test validity.
Fairness Argument Framework: The article suggests a framework based on rebuttals to validity arguments that could compromise comparability of scores among different groups. This framework guides research priorities by identifying critical areas for investigation.
Previous Fairness Frameworks: Previous frameworks for test fairness have expanded the scope but don't provide a structured way to integrate investigations or prioritize research directions.
Illustrative Example (TOEFL iBT): The TOEFL iBT test is used to illustrate how the framework can be applied to establish and support a fairness argument.
Two Fundamental Questions: 1) How to define fairness meaningfully for practitioners? 2) What concrete steps are needed for fairness research?
Fairness Conceptualizations:
View 1 (Independent Test Quality): Fairness is separate from validity. Focuses on responsibilities for test developers and users. (e.g. Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education).
View 2 (All-Encompassing Test Quality): Fairness encompasses and goes beyond validity; a crucial aspect of the quality of tests, tests must be valid to be fair, and covers validity, access, and justice.
View 3 (Fairness Directly Linked to Validity): Fairness is tied to the validity and interpretation of test results. The 1999 Standards explicitly recognizes aspects of fairness (lack of bias, equitable treatment, and equity in learning opportunity).
Fairness, Ethics, and Professional Standards: Importance of ethical guidelines beyond fairness. Codes of ethics and practice for language testing ensure ethical conduct across the field.
A New Approach to Fairness:
Defines fairness as comparable validity for identifiable groups, acknowledging that no test can be perfectly fair for all intended purposes.
Outlines concrete steps for articulating and supporting a fairness argument; using the example of the TOEFL iBT test.
Fairness, Ethics, and Professional Standards: Importance of ethical guidelines beyond fairness. Codes of ethics and practice for language testing ensure ethical conduct across the field
Fairness Investigations:
Prioritization: Focus resources on areas where more research is needed and where fairness considerations most impact decisions based on test scores.
Linking Fairness and Validity: Understand how relevant issues are connected across different stages and in a hierarchical way
Different Implications: Using relevant example sections from the text, the different meanings of fairness can be understood and interpreted.

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Description

This quiz explores an article on fairness in language testing, discussing the validity and comparability of test scores among different groups. It presents a fairness argument framework and utilizes the TOEFL iBT as a case study for illustrating the approach. Discover key concepts and questions surrounding the definition and importance of fairness in testing.