A comparison of native and non-native English-speaking groups' understanding of the vocabulary contained within the 16PF (SA92)
Journal Article
2003
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South African Journal of Psychology
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SAGE
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University of Cape Town
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Faculty
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Abstract
Part of the qualitative phase of Abrahams and Mauer’s (1999b) study was replicated at the University of Cape Town with both native English-speaking and non-native English-speaking students. Participants were required to
provide synonyms for 135 words contained within the 16PF (SA92) in order to ascertain the extent of problems with the language in the test. When following Abrahams and Mauer’s original methodology strictly, results seemed to indicate that both groups struggled with the language contained in the 16PF (SA92). However, less rigid marking, taking into account everyday usage of the words, showed that both groups did understand the words, although they were prevented from displaying this by the original restrictive method. It is suggested that more research be conducted with instruments such as the 16PF in order to obtain a fuller understanding of the extent to which language can affect scores obtained.
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Reference:
Wallis, T., & Birt, M. (2003). A comparison of native and non-native English-speaking groups' understanding of the vocabulary contained within the 16PF (SA92). South African Journal of Psychology, 33(3), p. 182-190.