Construct Validation of an Integrated -Approach EAP Placement Test Using Multi -Group Structural Equation Modeling

The research questions were tested using multi-trait multi-method (MTMM) procedures and multi-group structural equation modeling (MSEM) as the central statistical tool. A review of the statistical methodology of the MTMM procedures as a methodological contribution in literature preceded an investigation of the construct validity of the EPT. This powerful modeling technique enabled me to investigate comprehensively how listening and reading comprehension as proposed factors influenced or interacted with writing performance. Further, a fundamental concern in testing research, ensuring construct comparability when testing for between-group differences, was successfully carried out within the multi-group structural modeling framework. The findings were that while the effect of understanding the input is identical on the nonpass and pass groups, the two groups consistently differ from each other in three latent factors. Based on the findings of the EPT construct validation study, several recommendations from different perspectives of testing-related systems (test, rating, and placement system-related) are suggested for the future operation of the EPT program. Finally, methodological implications are presented.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Pyo, Kyong Hyon

Contributors dc:contributor

• Terry Ackerman

• Education, Language and Literature

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9996674

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/80453