The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing
For practical and theoretical purposes, tests of second language (L2) ability commonly aim to measure one overarching trait, general language ability, while simultaneously measuring multiple sub-traits (e.g., reading, grammar, etc.). This tension between measuring uni- and multi-dimensional construc...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2020-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01357/full |
| _version_ | 1818279830012035072 |
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| author | Karen J. Dunn Gareth McCray |
| author_facet | Karen J. Dunn Gareth McCray |
| author_sort | Karen J. Dunn |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | For practical and theoretical purposes, tests of second language (L2) ability commonly aim to measure one overarching trait, general language ability, while simultaneously measuring multiple sub-traits (e.g., reading, grammar, etc.). This tension between measuring uni- and multi-dimensional constructs concurrently can generate vociferous debate about the precise nature of the construct(s) being measured. In L2 testing, this tension is often addressed through the use of a higher-order factor model wherein multidimensional traits representing subskills load on a general ability latent trait. However, an alternative modeling framework that is currently uncommon in language testing, but gaining traction in other disciplines, is the bifactor model. The bifactor model hypothesizes a general factor, onto which all items load, and a series of orthogonal (uncorrelated) skill-specific grouping factors. The model is particularly valuable for evaluating the empirical plausibility of subscales and the practical impact of dimensionality assumptions on test scores. This paper compares a range of CFA model structures with the bifactor model in terms of theoretical implications and practical considerations, framed for the language testing audience. The models are illustrated using primary data from the British Council’s Aptis English test. The paper is intended to spearhead the uptake of the bifactor model within the cadre of measurement models used in L2 language testing. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T23:39:33Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-111a247152714c969f0d4b2301485e8d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T23:39:33Z |
| publishDate | 2020-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj.art-111a247152714c969f0d4b2301485e8d2022-12-22T00:07:15ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782020-07-011110.3389/fpsyg.2020.01357520666The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language TestingKaren J. Dunn0Gareth McCray1Assessment Research Group, British Council, London, United KingdomSchool of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, United KingdomFor practical and theoretical purposes, tests of second language (L2) ability commonly aim to measure one overarching trait, general language ability, while simultaneously measuring multiple sub-traits (e.g., reading, grammar, etc.). This tension between measuring uni- and multi-dimensional constructs concurrently can generate vociferous debate about the precise nature of the construct(s) being measured. In L2 testing, this tension is often addressed through the use of a higher-order factor model wherein multidimensional traits representing subskills load on a general ability latent trait. However, an alternative modeling framework that is currently uncommon in language testing, but gaining traction in other disciplines, is the bifactor model. The bifactor model hypothesizes a general factor, onto which all items load, and a series of orthogonal (uncorrelated) skill-specific grouping factors. The model is particularly valuable for evaluating the empirical plausibility of subscales and the practical impact of dimensionality assumptions on test scores. This paper compares a range of CFA model structures with the bifactor model in terms of theoretical implications and practical considerations, framed for the language testing audience. The models are illustrated using primary data from the British Council’s Aptis English test. The paper is intended to spearhead the uptake of the bifactor model within the cadre of measurement models used in L2 language testing.https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01357/fulllanguage testingpsychometricsbifactor modelhigher-order modeldimensionalityconfirmatory factor analysis (CFA) |
| spellingShingle | Karen J. Dunn Gareth McCray The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing Frontiers in Psychology language testing psychometrics bifactor model higher-order model dimensionality confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) |
| title | The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing |
| title_full | The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing |
| title_fullStr | The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing |
| title_short | The Place of the Bifactor Model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Investigations Into Construct Dimensionality in Language Testing |
| title_sort | place of the bifactor model in confirmatory factor analysis investigations into construct dimensionality in language testing |
| topic | language testing psychometrics bifactor model higher-order model dimensionality confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01357/full |
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