Washback

Abstract

This chapter introduces and conceptualises the phenomenon known as washback within language testing. In three parts, a review of washback literature begins with an historical overview of the origins of the phenomenon, and traces early hypotheses and models in language testing. Part two of the chapter explores the nature and scope of washback and discusses its many dimensions and relationships to other similar concepts in language testing. Part three then provides a summary of key findings that have emerged from empirical studies that have specifically focused on washback on learning. Findings from these studies guide the central study presented in Chaps. 6, 7 and 8 of this volume and are further discussed in Chaps. 9, 10 and 11.