Literature Review
In the language proficiency, processing speed is a vital component. That is, fast brains can analyze and process the text and information rapidly. Alderson (2005) argued that “the ability to process text rapidly is a crucial factor distinguishing high to low level of language proficiency. speed is a more important indicator of proficiency and it is a useful component of a diagnostic measure” (p.261). In speeded tests, test scores reveal the learners’ level of ability (Bachman, 1990). When time constraints are imposed, individual differences appeared much more markedly (Oller, 1973, as cited in Grotjahan, 2010 ). Consequently, the amount of the time allocated relate to the performance of the test takers.
In this study, time constraints were imposed for the cloze-elide test in order to investigate the performance of the test takers under the time limitation. Grotjahn (2010) argued that time constraints effect on test reliability and test validity. Cloze-elide test was observed as a valid and reliable test to measure language proficiency and reading comprehension test (Holster, 2017; Manning, 1987). The high Cronbach’s alpha reliabilities were investigated for the cloze-elide test in some studies ( Bowen, 1978, Davis, 1975, as cited in Holster, 2017). In the cloze-elide test procedure, Manning (1987) used a table of random numbers to determine the location of the intrusive words in the text and demonstrated the validity of the cloze-elide test for TOEFL. In another study conducted by Holster (2017), Microsoft Excel was employed for determining the location of redundant words. In his study, the subjects were asked to determine the sentences which included intrusive words. He reported the Rasch reliability of .89 for the cloze-elide test. In contrast, Klein-Braley (1997) used Manning’s (1987) cloze-elide test and reported the reliability of .49 for the test.
The fundamental aim of the current research is to examine the validity and reliability of the speeded cloze-elide test. In the speeded cloze-elide test, time is a key factor which influences the performance of the test takers. It supposes that better subjects’ processing speed and fluent in language knowledge, more rapidly and efficiently they will figure out the message and respond to the test. The processing speed of the test takers and their ability to recognize the redundant words in the text was investigated in this study to distinguish high to low levels of overall language proficiency. The test takers are required to identify the redundant words in the time pressure.