Gender differences in item format and skill area: some evidence from an EFL acheievement test
Author
Engin, A.
Ortaçtepe, D.
Date
2014Source Title
The Journal of Language Teaching and Learning
Print ISSN
2146-1732
Publisher
Journal of Language Taeching and Learning
Volume
4
Issue
2
Pages
48 - 62
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
68
views
views
29
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downloads
Abstract
The present study investigated the extent to which male and female language learners’ scores on achievement tests
vary according to item format and skill areas. The statistical analysis of data from one achievement test administered
to 303 pre-intermediate level students indicated that males and females’ scores showed differences in both item
format and skill areas. While females outperformed males significantly with ‘find the correct form’ and ‘paragraph
writing’ questions, males did not show any superiority in any item format. Females also outperformed males in three
skill areas; ‘writing’ ‘grammar’ and ‘vocabulary’ while males scored higher only in ‘listening’. Possible reasons behind
these differences between males and females’ scores can benefit future researchers, language teachers, and
administrators in terms of theoretical and practical perspectives.