Psychometric analysis of Hortwitz’s (1987) beliefs about language learning inventory with Chinese Mainland sample: Applying the Rasch model

This study aimed at reviewing, within the Rasch framework, the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Horwitz’s (1987) beliefs about language learning inventory (BALLI) used with Chinese mainland English as Second Language (ESL) college students. The inventory was subject to back translation, reviewed, and revised where necessary. Based on a convenience sample of 192 students, the exploratory study put item and model fit, category functioning of the items, and dimensionality of the inventory under close scrutiny. After the removal of 14 items with poor item fit or disordered categories, the study ended up with a refined inventory, though of which no absolute evidence of unidimensionality had been captured. Despite that the remaining items were more likely to measure a single underlying construct, the less satisfactory model fit might be a concern. It is hoped that, based on the “four building blocks approach” (Wilson, 2005), Rasch analysis on the instrument would provide some insights about the construct validity of the inventory considering the legitimacy for it to be used with the targeted population. Copyright © 1989-2015 by the CESHK.