The purpose of this experiment was to explore whether listening positions (close or distant location from the sound source) in the classroom, and classroom reverberation, influence students' score on a test for second-language (L2) listening comprehension (i.e., comprehension of English in Swedish speaking participants). The listening comprehension test administered was part of a standardized n...

This study explores the construct validity of speaking tasks included in the TOEFL iBT (e.g., integrated and independent speaking tasks). Specifically, advanced natural language processing (NLP) tools, MANOVA difference statistics, and discriminant function analyses (DFA) are used to assess the degree to which and in what ways responses to these tasks differ with regard to linguistic characteri...

This study investigated the acquisition of grammatical aspect by Iranian EFL learners. The main question addressed in this study was whether Iranian EFL learners could distinguish conditions under which they must use either the perfective aspect  or imperfective aspect. A group of 110 adult, Persian-Speaking learners of English both at BA and MA levels Took a Michigan test based on which they w...

Among topics in the field of pragmatics, some seem to be in a more rigorous need of investigation. Pragmatic assessment and specifically the issue of pragmatic rating are among issues which deserve more thorough consideration. The purpose of this study was to examine rater criteria and its consistency and variability in the assessment of Iranian EFL learners’ production of compliments based on ...

Background: Clinicians and researchers commonly use responsive outcome measures to interpret changes in a patient's condition as a result of an intervention. This study was conducted to assess the ability of the Persian version of Neck Disability Index and Functional Rating Index to detect responsiveness in the patients with neck pain.Methods: A diagnostic accuracy study was done in Ahvaz, Iran...