ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Article Critique

Article Critique

Background of the Study

This study is the replication of a recent research done by Harding and Ryan in 2009. This study was aimed to evaluate experiences of the markers in the assessment of Part B the presentation part related to the Occupational English Test listening subtest. By inspiring from this study, Luke, John and Kerry started their research to determine Part "A" of this test.

Research Question of the Study

The research investigated two questions.

What are the different decisions that assessors made in marking Part "A" of OET listening subtest?

On what different basis on which assessors made decision?

Significance of the Study

This study has immense value and importance. This study is important because there is a dearth of literature related to this issue. Many researchers conduct research related to students and their performances, but there is the lack of research related to the different issues of assessors' ability to mark the test in an appropriate and satisfactory way.

Participants of the Study

In order to investigate, assessors decision making criteria three assessors have been invited to take part in the study. These three participants are experienced assessors of English language examination. In this study, the role of the moderators were performed by two authors of this study whereas, one author performed the role of observer (Luke et al, 2011).

Procedure of the Study

The authors preferred method of focus group to perform. In this focus group, three assessors were invited following their routine evaluation of Part "A" of the OET. The usage of this technique helped the assessors in realizing the moments where they made decisions without the help of the marking guide and to elaborate how they made such decisions (Luke et al, 2011).

Types of Analysis

The authors analyzed the discussion of the focus group. They analyzed the focus group discussion for the ...