A Historical Overview on the Concept of Validity in Language Testing

Abstract

This article provides an overview on language test validation theories, especially the Messickian view on construct validity and the way it’s been translated into practice. First, a brief historical synopsis will be set forth, followed by recent views on test validity as advanced by Messick and Kane. The review goes on to lay out the similarities and differences between various validity conceptions, and concludes with their critical evaluation.