Defining Language Comprehension: Some Speculations

Author(s):

Carroll, John B.

Publication Year:

1971

Report Number:

RM-71-09

Source:

ETS Research Memorandum

Document Type:

Report

Page Count:

57

Subject/Key Words:

Cognitive Development, Language Acquisition, Language Tests, Linguistic Competence

Abstract

This is a survey of techniques that have been used to test language comprehension. The study of research completed in this field points up the fact that there is no single technique that universally gives valid and reliable information. Various definitions of language comprehension are examined with special emphasis placed on implications for the teacher and the learner. The author develops a classification of procedures for testing comprehension on the basis of a survey of procedures followed in psychometric and experimental investigations.

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