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Argument-Based Validation in Testing and Assessment
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Argument-Based Validation in Testing and Assessment



February 2020 | 160 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Carol A. Chapelle shows readers how to design validation research for tests of human capacities and performance. Any test that is used to make decisions about people or programs should have undergone extensive research to demonstrate that the scores are actually appropriate for their intended purpose. Argument-Based Validation in Testing and Assessment is intended to help close the gap between theory and practice, by introducing, explaining, and demonstrating how test developers can formulate the overall design for their validation research from an argument-based perspective.


 
List of Tables
 
List of Figures
 
Series Editor’s Introduction
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Chapter 1: What Is Argument-Based Validity?
Introducing Argument-Based Validity

 
The Academic Tradition of Validity

 
Evolving Concepts in Testing

 
Conclusion

 
 
Chapter 2: Validity Argument Design
Expressing Interpretations and Uses: Three Example Tests

 
Using Claims and Inferences to Express Interpretations and Uses

 
Structuring Claims in a Validity Argument: From Grounds to Conclusions

 
Identifying Evidence: Warrants, Assumptions, and Backing

 
Identifying Weaknesses and Limitations in Arguments: Rebuttals

 
The Language of Validity Argument

 
 
Chapter 3: Uses and Consequences of Test Scores
Why Start With Use and Consequences?

 
Inferences About Use and Consequences

 
Iowa Assessments: Warrants for Consequence Implication and Utilization

 
TOEFL iBT: Warrants for Consequence Implication and Utilization

 
MSCEIT: Warrants for Consequence Implication and Utilization

 
Potential Rebuttals

 
 
Chapter 4: Construct-Related Inferences: Explanation and Extrapolation
Constructs in Validity Arguments

 
Explanation Inferences for Traits

 
Extrapolation Inferences for Performance

 
Combining Explanation and Extrapolation for Interactionalist Constructs

 
Threats to Construct-Related Inferences

 
 
Chapter 5: Consistency-Related Inferences: Generalization and Evaluation
Claims About Score Consistency in Validity Arguments

 
Generalization Inferences for Test Scores

 
Evaluation Inferences for Test Tasks

 
Threats to Reliability

 
 
Chapter 6: Content Domain-Related Inference: Domain Definition
Test Development in Validity Arguments

 
The Domain Definition Inference

 
Domain Definition for the Example Tests

 
 
Chapter 7: Building a Validity Argument
The Logic of Validity Arguments

 
The Sociocultural Milieu of Validation

 
Developing a Validity Argument

 
 
References
 
Index

Chapelle’s “Argument-Based Validation in Testing and Assessment” is among the best-written texts on test validity. It is an up-to-date, cogent presentation from a logical – as opposed to strictly psychometric – perspective.

Shlomo Sawilowsky
Wayne State University
Review

This text address complex philosophical discussions related to validity and reliability in an accessible way. It models a way of thinking about assessment decisions that many of our students need to be successful in their future work!

Amanda C. La Guardia
University of Cincinnatti
Review

For instructors

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