The problem of context in language assessment

Abstract

Context remains a problem in drawing inferences from language assessment in spite of decades of concern for consequences (local decisions, meaning, and relevance). This book suggests the problem will best be addressed with a new research agenda – a transdisciplinary one. In Chapter 1 the history and meaning of transdisciplinary research (TR) are discussed in relation to other research approaches – disciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary – arguing that a transdisciplinary approach which takes into account alternative, social theories is necessary if complex problems, such as the role of context in assessment practices, are to be addressed. Initial definitions of the other keywords in the title of the book are discussed in order to clarify how they have been applied throughout.