Detecting native language group differences at the subskills level of reading: A differential skill functioning approach

Hongli Li, Hoi K. Suen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Differential skill functioning (DSF) exists when examinees from different groups have different probabilities of successful performance in a certain subskill underlying the measured construct, given that they have the same ability on the overall construct. Using a DSF approach, this study examined the differences between two native language groups - a group with an East Asian language background and one with a Romance language background - in regard to reading subskills as represented in the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) reading test. Based on a combination of literature review and think-aloud reports from a sample of ESL students, hypotheses on reading subskill differences between the two groups were generated. These hypotheses were tested by first identifying the subskill profile of each examinee in a large MELAB database via the application of a previously determined item-skill Q-matrix to a Fusion Model of cognitive diagnostic modeling. The subskill profiles of the East Asian examinees were then compared against those of examinees with a Romance language background through logistic regression techniques. Some important DSFs were found between the two groups. Based on results of this study, instructional strategies were suggested to address some specific weaknesses in ESL learners' reading subskills.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)273-298
Number of pages26
JournalLanguage Testing
Volume30
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Linguistics and Language

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detecting native language group differences at the subskills level of reading: A differential skill functioning approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this