Fairness

Among language testing researchers, the notion of fairness has accumulated a number of complex, technical definitions over the years. However, since the word has such a widespread, everyday usage, consulting a dictionary can be a good starting-point for discussion. For example, YourDictionary.com (2011) states that to be fair is to be “just and honest,” “impartial,” and “unprejudiced,” specifically, “free from discrimination based on race, religion, sex, etc.“Merriam-Webster (Mish et al., 2003) states similarly that fairness is “marked by impartiality or honesty” and is “free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism.” As this volume deals with second/foreign/other language testing, it would seem appropriate (or perhaps one should say, fair) to include a dictionary definition crafted for L2 learners, as is this one from Cambridge (Walter et al., 2006): “Treating someone in a way that is right or reasonable, or treating a group of people equally and not allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment.”. © 2012 Selection and editorial matter, Glenn Fulcher and Fred Davidson.

Journal Abbreviation: The Routledge Handb. of Language Test.