Psychometric properties of a self-efficacy scale for English language learners in China

Abstract This study provided preliminary evidences for the validity of the Questionnaire of English Self-Efficacy scale in a sample of college students in China. Results showed that the scale had adequate reliability and validity. Examination of the rating scale structure showed that participants reliably distinguished response categories. The item hierarchy was consistent with the expected item order, supporting the construct validity of the scale. Overall, the items were fairly well matched to the ability of the sample except that there seems to be a need for more difficult items. The information pertaining to the scale is quite encouraging from measurement perspectives and fills the gap in the literature by providing a valid instrument to measure English language learners' self-efficacy in China. The implications of this study to English as a foreign language and English as a second language educators and researchers in the United States and other countries are also discussed.

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