204 / 2018-08-15 17:32:27

Detecting the language threshold(s) constraining the effect of background knowledge on LSP reading performance using multi-layered latent moderation analysis

language for Specific Purposes,,background knowledge,,language thresholds,multi-layered moderation analysis

全体主题 > 面向职场的语言测试与评价

A fundamental issue in Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) assessment relates to the interaction between subject-matter background knowledge and language proficiency. The focused attention has been on the constraining effect of language threshold(s) on the relation of background knowledge to LSP reading performance. However, empirical studies have never been able to provide solid evidence regarding the existence of the threshold(s). Drawing on the literature, this study hypothesized three patterns in which students’ language proficiency interferes with the effect of background knowledge on LSP reading performance: a linear pattern (the effect increases with the increase of language proficiency), a quadratic pattern (the effect displays the up-down pattern with the continuous increase of language proficiency), and a cuboid pattern (the effect fluctuates in the up-down-up pattern with the continuous increase of L2 proficiency). Participants included 1491 nursing students from eight medical colleges in China. Their background knowledge, English language proficiency and LSP reading ability were measured using a nursing knowledge test, an English grammar knowledge test, and a nursing English reading test, respectively. Students’ response data were first scored using multidimensional item response theory and then modeled using the multi-layered moderation analysis (MLMA) self-adapted by the first author. The results supported the quadratic moderation pattern specified by two critical points on the continuum of language proficiency (two thresholds: theta1 = -1.49 and theta2 = 1). The theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed.