Methods of Test Validation

Abstract

Test validation methods are at the heart of language testing research. The way in which validity is conceptualized determines the scope and nature of validity investigations and hence the methods to gather evidence. Validation frameworks specify the process used to prioritize, integrate, and evaluate evidence collected using various methods. This review charts the evolution of validity theory and validation frameworks and provides a brief review of current methodologies for language test validation, organized by the validity inferences to which they are related in an argument-based validation framework. It discusses some problems and challenges associated with our current test validation research and practice and proposes some major areas of research that could help move the field forward.