Fairness in a Large-Scale High-Stakes Test: Investigations With the Test Itself and Major Test Stakeholders

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Division D Section 3 Qualitative Research Poster Session

Abstract

Given the significance of fairness in large-scale high-stakes testing, this study investigated fairness with one of the most important tests in China--the Graduate School Entrance English Exam (GSEEE). Based on a review of the standards and codes of practices and literature, fairness was investigated using mixed method design in two phases. Through SIBTEST and content analysis, Phase 1 examined group membership effects on the GSEEE with aspects to gender (female or male) and academic background (Humanities/Social Sciences or Sciences). Phase 2 used one-to-one interview and focus group to examine fairness perceptions of the major GSEEE test stakeholders (i.e., test developers, test users, and test takers) across the stages of the GSEEE testing process. This research bears important educational implications.

Author

• Xiaomei Song, Queen's University-Kingston