Perceptual Errors In Language Testing

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2.3.3.1. Perceptual errors Since “adaptive perception is ultimately in the service of functional behavioral ” (Dijksterhuis and Bargh, 2001), perceptual errors need to be cleared in order not to lead to errors in practice; these errors may include, in addition to the problem of misunderstanding what language testing is, problems such as : stereotyping test-takers, and halo effect (Abou Elnaga, 2012). 2.3.3.1.1. Types of perceptual errors 2.3.3.1.1.1. Stereotyping Many researchers investigate the idea of ‘stereotype threat’ (e.g. , Aaronson, Quinn, and Spencer, 1998. Sekaquaptewa and Thompson, 2003; Damour and Goodman, 2009,) , and argued that, in relation to language testing, it occurs whenever the test-taker behavior is explained by her/his…show more content…
Subjective assessment is more likely to take place while testing productive skills (i.e., speaking and writing) (Bechger, Maris, and Hsiao, 2007). During a speaking test, for instance, panels of examiners are usually used in order to guaranty reliability (Joughin, 2010). However, Bechger, Maris, and Hsiao (2007) have a dramatically contrasting opinion; they believe that panels are a major factor that triggers halo effect because raters’ judgments and ratings could be largely affected by their colleges’. Also, examiners would cease to pay attention to test-takers’ performances after building a general impression about the whole class competency level based on the few first performances, which means a decrease in test…show more content…
The effect of perceptual errors on test-takers’ performance The same as social interactions, educational interactions allow teachers as well as learners to build attitudes, and even anticipations, about each other’s behavior and competencies on the basics of perceived traits and actions (Trouilloud, Sarrazin, & Martinek, 2002). Diverse studies (e.g., Hoge & Butcher, 1984; Jussim, 1989; Alvidrez & Weinstein, 1999) proved that teachers perceptions and anticipations of learners’ competencies have an effect on their test performance and results. Cooper and Tom (1984, p.78) explained that there are two types of effect that teachers’ perceptions and expectations can have on learners’ performance, these are: “self-fulfilling prophecy” and “”sustaining expectation effect”. 2.3.3.1.2.1. Self-fulfilling prophecy Self-fulfilling prophecy is closely related to the Pygmalion effect is psychology; teachers’ start by building perceptions and attitudes about their students, then based on these perceptions they develop expectations about learners’ competencies and likelihoods to pass tests. The newly created perceptions would unconsciously make teachers change their treatment of learners, and this new treatment would inevitably have an influence on students’ acquisition of the language as well as their performances in tests (Trouilloud, Sarrazin, & Martinek,
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