Two Versions of the TOEIC(R): A Predictive Validation Study

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a predictive validity study on two versions of the Test of English for International Communication(R) (TOEIC(R)) in the context of English language education in a Japanese university. Twenty students of English as a foreign language in Japan participated in this study. The study investigated the correlation between TOEIC(R) scores and grade points that the participants earned in six English language-related subjects taught at the university. Retrospective data such as that collected from interviews with the participants and teachers of English were analyzed in order to qualitatively support the empirical results. The results indicated that TOEIC(R) can predict academic performances in actual English language classrooms at the university level. Further discussions on employing TOEIC(R) in the context of English language education in Japan are strongly recommended.