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A Scoping Review of Research (2000-2024) on Washback in China

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DOI: 10.23977/langl.2024.070804 | Downloads: 38 | Views: 581

Author(s)

Mengyuan Shangguan 1

Affiliation(s)

1 Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an, China

Corresponding Author

Mengyuan Shangguan

ABSTRACT

The backwash effect is an important component of the post-exam impact and is one of the criteria for evaluating the quality of exams. This study analyzes papers published in 14 foreign language journals on CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) between 2000 and 2024. Using CiteSpace software for bibliometric and visual analysis, the study explores high-frequency keywords, keyword clusters, and keyword bursts. The findings reveal the following characteristics of related research: The publication timeline shows a wave-like pattern. Research on the backwash effect mainly focuses on the following hot topics: the backwash effect and validity, the backwash effect of the TEM-8 exam, and empirical studies on the backwash effect. The fields of testing, speaking tests, the TEM-8 exam, etc., are at the forefront of backwash effect research. The study also finds several issues within the backwash effect research, including repetitive research subjects, an uneven distribution of exam types, relatively simplistic research methods, and overgeneralization. The paper further suggests future research directions and provides references for scholars conducting related studies.

KEYWORDS

Washback, validity, TEM-8

CITE THIS PAPER

Mengyuan Shangguan, A Scoping Review of Research (2000-2024) on Washback in China. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2024) Vol. 7: 22-28. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2024.070804.

REFERENCES

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