Developing and validating a second language pragmatics aptitude test

Abstract

The present study aimed at developing a second language pragmatic aptitude test. To do so, the relevant literature was consulted, different components contributing to pragmatics aptitude were identified and tabulated and test items were developed for each component. The outcome was a test comprising four sections, i.e. memory for pragmatic rule learning, extroversion and cultural intelligence self-assessment questionnaire, mind-reading from films and mind-reading from voices. Three experts were invited to examine the face and content validity of the test. It was, then, administered to 40 native speakers of English. To establish the reliability of the test, the obtained data were subjected to Cronbach’s Alpha Analysis. The results indicated that the newly developed test was a valid and reliable measure of aptitude for learning pragmatics. In order to ensure the construct validation of the test, it was administered to another 160 participants. The data gathered were analyzed using Factor Analysis. The results revealed that three sections of the test measured the same construct showing quite high correlations but extroversion and cultural intelligence self-assessment questionnaire did not. Consequently, it was removed from the test.