ABSTRACT

This study compared test taker performances on three different computer-mediated formats of a second language oral proficiency test. Forty-four English second language (L2) university students completed three different computer-mediated tests: 1) a video-conferenced test with an examiner, 2) a three-way, video-conferenced test with another test taker and an examiner, and 3) a monologic test requiring test takers to orally respond to written prompts on a computer. Overall ratings of performances were compared across the three test formats and no significant differences were found in test taker mean scores. Using interview and survey data, test takers’ attitudes towards the different test formats were also examined, with most test takers indicating a preference for the examiner/test taker format. The results from this study may contribute to our understanding of the effect of test delivery format on the construct of L2 oral proficiency.