Investigating the Interobserver Reliability of a Direct Observational Language Assessment Technique

Abstract

An observational language assessment procedure, Systematic Observation of Communicative Interaction, is described and the importance of interob-server reliability is discussed. Based on a study of 30 school-age children, the interobserver reliability for this descriptive language assessment tool was investigated. Results indicate strong reliability indices for this assessment procedure. Discussion of how test design can be used to enhance reliability is provided.