Validity Studies

Measurement Structure of the American Sign Language (ASL) Proficiency Construct as Assessed by the ASLPI

The findings provided evidence that a majority of the variability in the five dimensions was attributable to a single higher-order construct. That is, a majority of the variability in dimension ratings can be meaningfully traced to a single underlying factor, which is as intended by the test developer. Moreover, the relationships between the dimensions and the single underlying factor were strongly consistent (i.e., approximately equal in magnitude). In sum, the five dimensions are representative of a single underlying construct, and the dimensions relate to the underlying construct in a consistent manner, these findings align with the design and current rating protocol of the ASLPI.

Preliminary Validity Study Conclusion:

• The five ASLPI dimensions appear representative of a single underlying construct, which is defined by five facets/dimensions
• The dimensions relate to the underlying construct in a consistent manner
• Ratings for each ASLPI dimension show very little systematic rater bias
• Each dimension contributed approximately equally to both the total score and the holistic rating
• This provides construct validity evidence supporting the ASLPI definition of ASL proficiency