10. Criteria and types of test

英语测试标准和类型分为有效性，可靠性，信度与效度，歧视（区分不同个体的能力反映个体表现差异），政府，背景效果，8种测试类型。

10. Criteria and types of tests

• 10.1 Validity
  • definition: the extent to which it measurews what it is supposed to measure and nothing else.
  • face validity: if a test items looks right to other testers, teachers, moderators,and testees, it can be described as having at least face validity
  • content validity: the test should be so constructed as to contain a representative sample of the course, the relationship between the test items and the course objectives always being apperant.
  • construct validity: it is capable of measuring certain specific charcteristics in accordance with a theroy of language behavior and learning.
  • empirical validity: it is obtained as a resulit of comparing the results of the test with the results of some criterion measure.
• 10.2 reliability
  • definition: if the test is administered to the same candidates on different occasions,then, to the extent that it produces results, it is reliable.
  • Factors affecting the reliability of a test are:
    • the extent of the sample of material selected for testing
    • the administration of the test
  • the ways to compare a student's performance levels in each area with the required levels
    • re-test method
    • parallel forms of the test
    • split-half method
• 10.3 reliabity versue validity
  • the ideal test should be both reliable and valid.
  • the greater the reliability of a test, the less validity it usually has.
  • it is essential to devise a valid test first of all and then to establish ways of increasing its reliabity.
• 10.4 discrimination
  • definition: its capacity to discriminate among the different candidates and to reflect the differences in the performances of the individuals in the group.
• 10.5 administration
  • considerations
    • the length of time
    • answer sheet and the sationery used
    • the test situation
    • the necessary equipment
    • the preparation of the test itself
• 10.6 test instructions to the candidate
  • it is essential that all instructions are clearly written and that example are given.
  • if new testing techniques are being used on a large scale for the first time,it is essential for the test writers and test administrators concerned to construct sample items and rubris to send to school well in advance, together with sufficient detailed informationed about the new procedures.
• 10.7 background effects
  • emphasise the negative aspects of language learning
  • fair to point out testing has been one of the greatest single beneficial forces in changing the direction of language teaching in many areas and in encouraging the more responsive teachers to examine not only their own teachong method method but also the language they are teaching.
• 10.8 types of tests
  • achievements tests
  • proficiency tests
  • aptitude tests
  • diagnostic tests