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Investigating the Relationship Between Test-Taker Background Characteristics and Test Performance in a Heterogeneous English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Test Population: A Factor Analytic Approach TOEFL iBT ESL

Author(s):
Manna, Venessa F.; Yoo, Hanwook
Publication Year:
2015
Report Number:
RR-15-25
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
25
Subject/Key Words:
MIMIC, Population Heterogeneity, Factor Structure, TOEFL iBT, English as a Second Language (ESL)

Abstract

The results indicated that at most levels of the background characteristics studied, there were statistically significant differences in the means of the four underlying latent factors (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) representing English-language proficiency (ELP). Overall, the effect size differences on the reading, listening, speaking, and writing latent factors among the levels for each of the background variables studied ranged from small to medium. The results of this study provide empirical evidence of the association and possible influence of test-taker background characteristics on the four underlying latent factors representing ELP and, thus, on test performance.

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