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Meaningful Language Test Scores: Research to enhance score interpretation
Edited by Spiros Papageorgiou and Venessa F. Manna
[Innovations in Language Learning and Assessment 1] 2023
► pp. 61–77

Chapter 4
Statistical methodology for developing vertical scales for language tests

| Educational Testing Service
| Educational Testing Service
| Educational Testing Service
| Educational Testing Service
This chapter is the last of the three chapters that describe the process of design and implementation of a vertical linking project for language tests based on a multi-year project for the TOEFL® Family of Assessments. The chapter focuses on the statistical methodology for developing the listening and reading vertical scales. Topics covered include the common item linking design, procedures of Item Response Theory (IRT) scaling and linking to build the vertical scales, and the method for evaluating measurement precision across language tests along the proficiency levels on the vertical scales.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Overview of the psychometric process for developing the TOEFL vertical scales for reading and listening
  • Data collection through operational test forms
  • Selecting the base test
  • Calibration and scaling of vertical linking items
  • Estimating linking constants across tests and removal of outlier vertical linking items
  • Placing score scales of all tests onto the vertical scale
  • Evaluating measurement precision across language proficiency levels
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 29 June 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/illa.1.04gu
References (7)
References
Council of Europe. (2001). The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge University Press.
ETS. (2020). TOEFL® program history. Retrieved on 7 February 2023 from [URL]
Kolen, M. J. (2006). Scaling and norming. In R. L. Brennan (Ed.), Educational Measurement (4th ed., pp. 156–186. American Council on Education; Praeger.Google Scholar
Monfils, L, & Manna, V. F. (this volume). Considerations in developing vertical scales for language tests. In S. Papageorgiou & V. F. Manna (Eds.), Meaningful language test scores: Research to enhance score interpretation. John Benjamins.
Papageorgiou, S., Ginsburgh, M., & Garcia Gomez, P. (this volume). Assessment design issues in developing vertical scales for language tests. In S. Papageorgiou & V. F. Manna (Eds.), Meaningful language test scores: Research to enhance score interpretation. John Benjamins.
Stocking, M. L., & Lord, F. M. (1983). Developing a common metric in item response theory. Applied Psychological Measurement, 7, 201–210. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Yen, W. M. & Fitzpatrick, A. (2006). Item response theory. In R. L. Brennan (Ed.), Educational measurement (4th ed., pp. 111–153). American Council on Education, Praeger.Google Scholar