Can Listening Comprehension be 'Reliably' Measured using the Watson-Barker Listening Test? A Confirmatory Analytic Approach

• In Event: Listening in Practice: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Previous research utilizing the WBLT consistently reports low reliability estimates. Moreover, the factor structure of the scale has been questioned numerous times (Fitch-Hauser & Hughes, 1992; Villaume & Weaver, 1996). This paper addresses the factor structure of the WBLT and assesses reliability issues using confirmatory factor analysis on responses from approximately 500 participants.

Authors

• Graham Bodie, Louisiana State University

• Debra Worthington, Auburn University

• Margaret Fitch-Hauser, Auburn University