Response Formats

Abstract

Starting with a brief introduction to task characteristics in language assessment, this chapter conceptualizes response format and its taxonomies, and reviews current views on response formats. In general, response formats can be categorized in terms of type, channel, form, language, length, and degree of speededness. In a narrow sense, however, item responses can be divided into selected and constructed responses. After an elaboration on the taxonomies with exemplifications, this chapter turns to a discussion on how a range of response formats can be used by particular skill‐based or language knowledge tests to enhance validity. From the perspectives of practical needs and cognitive constraints, the preferred response formats in formative assessment and assessment of young learners are also explored and justified. A discussion on the current studies in relation to response formats then largely hinges upon how different response formats might exert impact on test results and test‐takers' affective factors, and how a repertoire of response formats can assess a given construct in an integrated manner, such as the interaction between item input and response format. The last part of the chapter outlines challenges and future directions of research on response format, with the hope that various response formats will be integrated into language tests to achieve better validity.