Comparing Psychometric Characteristics of Speed and Standard C-test

The C-test as a measure of first and second language proficiency suffers from ceiling effect. That is the C-test is very easy for native speakers and for advanced second language learners and many examinees obtain full scores. Therefore the test cannot distinguish among advanced learners or native speakers. Speeded C-test is suggested as a remedy for this problem. Previous research has showed that if C-test is administrated under time constraint it can better differentiate among advanced learners and native speakers. In this study the researcher aimed to compare the psychometric characteristics of speeded and standard C-tests and investigate their relationship with reading comprehension. Findings revealed that both speeded C-test and standard C-test could measure reading comprehension ability but standard C-test is a better predictor of reading comprehension ability and enjoys a higher reliability. Exploratory factor analysis of the data resulted in a one-factor solution. All C-test passages (speeded and power) and reading comprehension passages loaded heavily on a single factor. Nevertheless power C-test passages had higher loadings compared to speeded passages.