Evaluating Measurement Invariance in the IELTS Listening Comprehension Test

Document Type : Special Issue

Authors

1 Peoples Friendship University of Russia,Moscow, Russia

2 English Department, AlNoor University College, Nineveh, Iraq

3 College of Pharmacy / Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad , Iraq

4 College of Education/ The Islamic University in Najaf, Iraq

5 English Language and Literature Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq

6 Department of Medical Laboratory Technics, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq

7 English Department / Mazaya university college Iraq

8 Al-Esraa University College, Baghdad, Iraq

9 Rector, Federal School of Dental Technology & Therapy, Enugu, Nigeria

10 Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

Measurement invariance (MI) refers to the degree to which a measurement instrument or scale produces consistent results across different groups or populations. It basically shows whether the same construct is measured in the same way across different groups, such as different cultures, genders, or age groups. If MI is established, it means that scores on the test can be compared meaningfully across different groups. To establish MI mostly confirmatory factor analysis methods are used. In this study, we aim to examine MI using the Rasch model. The responses of 211 EFL learners to the listening section of the IETLS were examined for MI across gender and randomly selected subsamples. The item difficulty measures were compared graphically using the Rasch model. Findings showed that except for a few items, the IELTS listening items exhibit MI. Therefore, score comparisons across gender and other unknown subgroups are valid with the IELTS listening scores.

Keywords

International Journal of Language Testing
Volume 13, Special Issue
March 2023
Pages 134-141

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