Raising the Validity Bar

Measurement is a complex field. It is technical, arcane and presents a challenge to both test users and test developers. Within the measurement field, language testing is particularly challenging. Language systems in themselves are complex and language use even more so. Selecting the right test for a particular purpose is never a simple matter. Creating high quality tests — reliable, valid and fair — is always a challenging undertaking.

In this section, Dr. Gary Buck offers advice to test users and test developers on a number of practical assessment issues. This is intended as a service to the community, so feel free to use this section as you wish. You may quote or copy the content, but we do ask that you give credit when you do. If you want to make a formal reference, the format is: Buck, G. “Title of the page,” [link to] www.lidgetgree.org/page address (full date of access).

If you wish to correspond with Gary on these issues, please use our Contact Us form for the initial request. He is always happy to discuss assessment issues.

Finally, we will be adding new material on an on-going basis. Use the Contact Us form to sign up for automatic email notification.