Exploring the Validity of the Advanced Placement (AP) Japanese Computer-Simulated Interpersonal Speaking Task: Domain Definition Inference.

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Title: Exploring the Validity of the Advanced Placement (AP) Japanese Computer-Simulated Interpersonal Speaking Task: Domain Definition Inference.
Authors: Suzumura-Smith, Nana
Source: Japanese Language & Literature. Apr2026, Vol. 60 Issue 1, p83-137. 55p.
Subject Terms: *Language ability testing, *Test validity, *Advanced placement programs (Education), *Language ability
Abstract: This study examined the domain definition inference for the AP Japanese exam, which aims to measure language proficiency in situations reflecting real life. For the domain definition inference, this exam attempts to claim that (a) features of examinee performance that provide evidence of language proficiency have been identified, and (b) the assessment tasks are relevant to and representative of the real-life domain. Focusing on the computer-simulated conversation task of the AP Japanese exam, four assumptions underlying these claims were investigated: (1) the target domain is clearly identified; (2) critical language skills and knowledge needed in the target domain are identified; (3) assessment tasks that are representative of the target domain are identified; and (4) assessment tasks that require critical skills and are representative of the target domain are simulated. Backing for these assumptions was gathered through analyses of exam-related documents and test task characteristics, including context, input language, and scoring criteria. This study found reasonable backing for the first two assumptions and partial backing for the others. Therefore, this paper argues that the two claims that the exam attempts to make for the domain definition inference are not fully supported. It also discusses possible ways to improve the validity argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Japanese Language & Literature is the property of American Association of Teachers of Japanese and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: This study examined the domain definition inference for the AP Japanese exam, which aims to measure language proficiency in situations reflecting real life. For the domain definition inference, this exam attempts to claim that (a) features of examinee performance that provide evidence of language proficiency have been identified, and (b) the assessment tasks are relevant to and representative of the real-life domain. Focusing on the computer-simulated conversation task of the AP Japanese exam, four assumptions underlying these claims were investigated: (1) the target domain is clearly identified; (2) critical language skills and knowledge needed in the target domain are identified; (3) assessment tasks that are representative of the target domain are identified; and (4) assessment tasks that require critical skills and are representative of the target domain are simulated. Backing for these assumptions was gathered through analyses of exam-related documents and test task characteristics, including context, input language, and scoring criteria. This study found reasonable backing for the first two assumptions and partial backing for the others. Therefore, this paper argues that the two claims that the exam attempts to make for the domain definition inference are not fully supported. It also discusses possible ways to improve the validity argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Japanese Language & Literature is the property of American Association of Teachers of Japanese and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.5195/jll.2026.309
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      – Code: eng
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      – SubjectFull: Language ability testing
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Test validity
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      – SubjectFull: Advanced placement programs (Education)
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      – SubjectFull: Language ability
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      – TitleFull: Exploring the Validity of the Advanced Placement (AP) Japanese Computer-Simulated Interpersonal Speaking Task: Domain Definition Inference.
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              Text: Apr2026
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