scores which are comparable to those provided by human markers, but with the reliability of a machine, thus enhancing reliability and validity. With the need to have a body of research behind the test, Pearson has already established a series of sponsored research papers which seek to demonstrate the robust nature of the test.


Task 6


• How comfortable are you with the concept of a test which is marked using computers rather than people?


• What are your views on the reliability of human markers compared to computerized marking systems?


• In your opinion, what are the relative strengths and weaknesses of humans and computers as EAP test assessors?


• Do you agree or disagree that EAP assessors might become deskilled if computerized marking becomes more prevalent?


Dr John de Jong, Vice President of Test Development at Pearson and Chair in Language Testing at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam (in Swain, 2012), supports the computerized systems which are used for testing purposes by referring to other examples of communication via computer technology in high-stakes contexts, such as the stock exchange, where computers are responsible for multi-million dollar transactions on a daily basis.


According to De Jong (in Swain, ibid.) the computer software used by Pearson has been programmed to compare students’ responses with a database of tens of thousands of samples of language from academic contexts. During the marking process, the computers can compare thousands of texts that were written by candidates and rated by humans. It is claimed that the computers have already determined which characteristics the reference bank of essays were required to achieve in order to be awarded certain scores by human markers and then the same data is referenced to determine a mark for a new test taker. Human markers are still involved in marking procedures under circumstances of uncertainty, which is estimated to equate to approximately 4% of answers.


Despite successes, such as acceptance by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for some study-visa issuance purposes, comments from admissions colleagues in the USA and academics in the UK (Table 5) at the time of the launch of PTE Academic exemplify the caution expressed at the prospect of this new examination on the EAP testing scene.


Chapter 14: Learning from large-scale standardized EAP tests


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