FAIRNESS AND ETHICAL STANDARDS IN LANGUAGE TESTING
Keywords:
KEY WORDS: Fairness, Ethical Standards, Validity, Reliability, Test Bias, Transparency, Accessibility, Confidentiality, Responsible Score Use, ProfessionalismAbstract
ABSTRACT
The submitted paper outlines the impact of political decisions on language
testing, predominantly on test scores of the tested population, test design and item-
writing. Results from research referring to the comparison of test-takers´ performances
in the years 2011-2013 reveal a necessity to be sensitive and aware of ethics and
fairness in language testing. The research is focused on the professional decision of test
developers, item writers and administrators to avoid negative impact and maximize
positive washback. The paper focuses on the construct which underlies the B2 English
test to provide information about abilities that the test is designed to measure. Testing
grammar and vocabulary was supported by using multiple linear regression analysis.
The new conditions for test takers in 2012 are analyzed and evaluated in three areas
the number of the students applying for tests in English B2, the total scores of students
and their grouped distributions and the scores achieved in productive skills and
language in use. We conclude by examining the ethical implications of the new
conditions for test takers and by demonstrating the effect the ethical dimension had on
item writers in their design of subsequent tests. Fairness plays an important yet hard to
implement role in test design, and it is often up to the administrators and test designers
to cope with external obstacles in promoting this.
References
References
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