This study investigates the cognitive validity of computerized picture-based causal explanation speaking tasks by integrating eye tracking and stimulated recalls among 96 young EFL learners aged from 9 to 12 in a state-funded primary school in China. It explores young EFL learners' L2 performance of causal explanation speaking tasks and cognitive processes during the L2 task performance in relation to their age, L2 vocabulary size, L1 task performance and L1 cognitive processes.
Standardized English language tests for young learners are flourishing worldwide, but cognitive validity, despite being an integral part of construct validity, has not been researched sufficiently. Meanwhile, in China and internationally, the EFL curriculum goal has shifted towards developing students' linguistic and thinking skills, whereas there is a lack of assessment tasks designed to measure such an integration of instructional foci. As such, the study develops causal explanation speaking tasks, an innovative type of computerized picture-based speaking tasks eliciting explanation about cause and effect with why question, and aims to explore the cognitive validity of this task type via a mixed-methods design among 96 pupils (aged 9-12) from Grade 4 and 6 in a Chinese primary school. This study investigates young EFL learners’ L2 performance of causal explanation speaking tasks and cognitive processes during the L2 task performance in relation to their age, L2 vocabulary size, L1 task performance and L1 cognitive processes. The data is collected by an integrated use of Tobii eye-tracker and stimulated recall interviews, and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Expressive Vocabulary Test. The research design and findings will contribute to the theorization and operationalization of cognitive validity of picture-based causal explanation tasks for young EFL learners. Useful implications will be generated for test developers regarding how to improve cognitive validity of young EFL learners’ assessment, and how to better align assessment with the need of EFL education.
