Scholarly Writings | Troy L. Cox, PhD

Most Recent Publications

My five most recent peer-reviewed articles.

2025 · Foreign Language Annals

Can the Oral Proficiency Interview-Computer (ACTFL OPIc) Be Used Instead of the Oral Proficiency Interview (ACTFL OPI)? An Aligned Rank Transform (ART) Analysis

Cox, T. L., Thompson, G. L., & Stokes, S. S. (2025)

Compares scores from the live, in-person ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) with the computer-delivered OPIc, using an aligned rank transform statistical analysis to test whether the two test formats can be treated as interchangeable measures of speaking proficiency.

AssessmentSpeakingACTFL

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2025 · TESOL Quarterly

Exploring the Potential of ChatGPT for Evaluating English Essays in a Criterion-Based Assessment

Gjorevski, A., Li, M., & Cox, T. L. (2025)

Examines how closely ChatGPT's scoring of English learner essays aligns with human raters on a criterion-based rubric, with implications for using large language models to support (not replace) writing assessment.

WritingAI in Assessment

View Publication (TESOL Quarterly, DOI)

2024 · TESOL Journal

Immediate Repeated Reading Has Positive Effects on Reading Rate for English Language Learners: An Eye-Tracking Study

Hansen, J. H., Eckstein, G., Cox, T. L., Luke, S. G., & Rich, K. (2024)

Uses eye-tracking data to study how having English language learners immediately re-read the same passage affects their reading rate, adding evidence for repeated reading as a classroom fluency-building practice.

ReadingEye-Tracking

View Publication (TESOL Journal, DOI)

2023 · TESOL Communications

Multiple-Choice Reading Behaviors of ESL Students: An Eye-Tracking Study

Escalante, J., Eckstein, G., Cox, T. L., & Luke, S. (2023)

Uses eye-tracking to describe how ESL students visually engage with multiple-choice reading items and distractors, with implications for how reading comprehension tests are designed and interpreted.

ReadingEye-Tracking

View Publication (TESOL Communications)

2023 · Chinese as a Second Language

Does Text Entry Method Make a Difference on Chinese Writing Test Scores?

Bourgerie, D. S., Cox, T. L., & Riep, S. L. (2023)

Compares handwritten versus computer (pinyin) text entry on a Chinese writing test to determine whether the input method itself affects learners' writing scores — a practical question for programs deciding how to administer writing assessments.

WritingACTFL

View Publication (Chinese as a Second Language, DOI)

Additional Journal Articles

20 more peer-reviewed journal articles, in reverse chronological order.

2022 · Language Testing

Temporal Fluency and Floor/Ceiling Scoring of Intermediate and Advanced Speech on the ACTFL Spanish Oral Proficiency Interview–Computer

Cox, T. L., Brown, A. V., & Thompson, G. L. (2022)

Examines temporal fluency measures and floor/ceiling scoring effects when rating intermediate and advanced Spanish speech samples from the OPIc.

SpeakingACTFL

View Publication (Language Testing, DOI)

2021 · Papers in Language Testing and Assessment

The Effect of Prompt Accent on Elicited Imitation Assessments in English as a Second Language

Barrows, J. & Cox, T. (2021)

Investigates whether the accent of a recorded prompt speaker affects examinee performance and scores on an English elicited imitation test.

Elicited ImitationSpeaking

View Publication (Papers in Language Testing and Assessment, PDF)

2020 · Language Testing in Asia

Line, Please? An Analysis of the Rehearsed Speech Characteristics of Native Korean Speakers on the English Oral Proficiency Interview—Computer (OPIc)

Gates, G., Cox, T. L., Bell, T. R., & Eggington, W. (2020)

Analyzes linguistic features that distinguish rehearsed from spontaneous speech among Korean examinees taking the English OPIc.

SpeakingACTFL

View Publication (Language Testing in Asia, DOI)

2020 · Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice

Rubric Rating with MFRM versus Randomly Distributed Comparative Judgment: A Comparison of Two Approaches to Second-Language Writing Assessment

Sims, M. E., Cox, T. L., Eckstein, G. T., Hartshorn, K. J., Wilcox, M. P., & Hart, J. M. (2020)

Compares many-facet Rasch rubric rating with randomly distributed comparative judgment as two approaches to scoring second-language writing.

WritingRasch

View Publication (Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, DOI)

2019 · System

Investigating the Use of the ACTFL Can-Do Statements in a Self-Assessment for Student Placement in an Intensive English Program

Summers, M. M., Cox, T., McMurry, B. L., & Dewey, D. P. (2019)

Evaluates how well ACTFL can-do statement self-assessments predict appropriate placement for students entering an Intensive English Program.

Self-AssessmentACTFL

View Publication (System, DOI)

2018 · Foreign Language Annals

A Validity Argument to Support the ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency

Cox, T. & Malone, M. (2018)

Builds a validity argument for the AAPPL assessment, examining evidence for its intended score interpretations and uses.

AssessmentACTFL

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2018 · Journal of Second Language Pronunciation

Pronunciation's Role in English Speaking Proficiency Ratings

Ma, R., Henrichsen, L., Cox, T., & Tanner, M. (2018)

Explores how pronunciation features relate to the proficiency ratings that speaking samples receive from raters.

SpeakingPronunciation

View Publication (Journal of Second Language Pronunciation, DOI)

2018 · Foreign Language Annals

Future Directions in Assessment: Influences of Standards and Implications for Language Learning

Cox, T., Malone, M., & Winke, P. (2018)

Discusses how national and international proficiency standards are shaping the future direction of language assessment and instruction.

Assessment

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2017 · Foreign Language Annals

A Comparative Discourse Analysis of Spanish Past Narrations From the ACTFL OPI and OPIc

Brown, A. V., Cox, T., & Thompson, G. L. (2017)

Compares the discourse features of past-tense narrations elicited by the live OPI versus the computer-delivered OPIc in Spanish.

SpeakingACTFL

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2017 · Foreign Language Annals

Understanding Intermediate-Level Speakers' Strengths and Weaknesses: An Examination of OPIc Tests from Korean Learners of English

Cox, T. (2017)

Analyzes intermediate-level Korean examinees' OPIc performances to characterize common strengths and weaknesses at that proficiency range.

SpeakingACTFL

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2016 · Russian Language Journal

Elicited Imitation as a Predictor of Language Proficiency for Learners of Russian

Cox, T., Bown, J., & Burdis, J. (2016)

Tests whether performance on an elicited imitation task predicts overall language proficiency among learners of Russian.

Elicited Imitation

View Publication (Russian Language Journal)

2016 · Foreign Language Annals

Comparing the OPI and the OPIc: The Effect of Test Method on Oral Proficiency Scores and Student Preferences

Thompson, G., Cox, T., & Knapp, N. (2016)

Compares scores and student preferences between the live OPI and computer-delivered OPIc to examine test-method effects.

SpeakingACTFL

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2015 · Foreign Language Annals

Exploring Proficiency-Based Versus Language for Specific Purposes Items with Elicited Imitation Assessment

Cox, T., Bown, J., & Burdis, J. (2015)

Compares general proficiency-based items with language-for-specific-purposes items on an elicited imitation assessment.

Elicited Imitation

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2015 · The Journal of Specialised Translation

The Multidimensional Quality Metrics (MQM) Framework: A New Framework for Translation Quality Assessment

Mariana, V., Cox, T., & Melby, A. (2015)

Introduces the Multidimensional Quality Metrics framework as an approach for evaluating translation quality.

TranslationAssessment

View Publication (The Journal of Specialised Translation, PDF)

2014 · Foreign Language Annals

Empirical Validation of Listening Proficiency Guidelines

Cox, T. & Clifford, R. (2014)

Provides empirical evidence testing the validity of proficiency guidelines used to describe listening ability levels.

Listening

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2014 · Foreign Language Annals

Assessing the Validity of Can-Do Statements in Retrospective (Then-Now) Self-Assessment

Brown, A., Dewey, D., & Cox, T. (2014)

Examines the validity of a retrospective self-assessment method in which learners compare their current and past can-do statement ratings.

Self-Assessment

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2014 · Journal of Second Language Writing

Measures of Written Linguistic Accuracy: Questions of Reliability, Validity, and Practicality

Evans, N., Hartshorn, K. J., Cox, T., & Martin, T. (2014)

Reviews and evaluates different measures of written linguistic accuracy for their reliability, validity, and practicality in research and assessment.

Writing

View Publication (Journal of Second Language Writing, DOI)

2013 · Harvard Latino Law Review

Using Elicited Oral Response Testing to Measure Speaking and Listening Proficiency in Order to Determine the Need for an Interpreter

Eggington, W. & Cox, T. (2013)

Applies elicited oral response testing in a legal context to help determine whether an individual requires a court interpreter.

Elicited ImitationSpeakingListening

View Publication (Harvard Latino Law Review)

2013 · Foreign Language Annals

Empirical Validation of Reading Proficiency Guidelines

Clifford, R. & Cox, T. (2013)

Provides empirical evidence testing the validity of proficiency guidelines used to describe reading ability levels.

Reading

View Publication (Foreign Language Annals, DOI)

2012 · CALICO Journal

Using Automatic Speech Recognition Technology with Elicited Oral Response Testing

Cox, T. & Davies, R. (2012)

Examines the use of automatic speech recognition technology to score elicited oral response (elicited imitation) speaking tests.

Elicited ImitationSpeaking

View Publication (CALICO Journal)

Book Chapters

10 chapters in edited volumes, in reverse chronological order.

2024 · Routledge Handbook of Language Program Administration

Putting Students in Their Place? The Role of Placement Testing in Language Programs

Cox, T. & Wilcox, M.P. (2024)

Examines the role and design of placement testing within language program administration.

Program AdministrationAssessment

View Publisher Page (Routledge)

2024 · Routledge Handbook of Language Program Administration

Understanding the Role of Standardized Exams in Second Language Programs

Cox, T., Brown, A., & Malone, M. (2024)

Discusses how standardized exams function within second language programs and what administrators should consider when using them.

Program AdministrationAssessment

View Publisher Page (Routledge)

2023 · Language Program Vitality in the United States

The Language Certificate: Encouraging Foreign Language Proficiency for All University Students

Cox, T. L., Wilcox, M. P., & Clifford, R. T. (2023)

Describes a language certificate model designed to encourage and recognize foreign language proficiency across the university, not just for language majors.

Program AdministrationACTFL

View Publication (Springer, DOI)

2021 · Advancedness in Second Language Spanish

ACTFL OPIc Question Prompt and Advanced Spanish Proficiency

Brown, A., Cox, T., & Thompson, G. (2021)

Explores how OPIc question prompts relate to advanced-level Spanish proficiency.

SpeakingACTFL

View Publication (John Benjamins, DOI)

2020 · Routledge Handbook on Second Language Acquisition and Language Testing

Measuring Language Development Through Self-Assessment

Cox, T. & Dewey, D. (2020)

Reviews approaches to using learner self-assessment as a tool for measuring language development over time.

Self-Assessment

View Publication (Routledge, DOI)

2019 · Foreign Language Proficiency in Higher Education

In Advanced L2 Reading Proficiency Assessments, Should the Question Language Be in the L1 or the L2? Does It Make a Difference?

Cox, T. L., Bown, J., & Bell, T. R. (2019)

Investigates whether the language used to ask comprehension questions — the learner's first or second language — affects performance on advanced L2 reading assessments.

ReadingAssessment

View Publication (Springer, DOI)

2016 · Pacific Rim Objective Measurement Symposium (PROMS) 2015 Conference Proceedings

From Standards to Rubrics: Comparing Full-Range to At-Level Applications of an Item-Level Scoring Rubric on an Oral Proficiency Assessment

Cox, T. L. & Davies, R. S. (2016)

Compares two ways of applying an item-level scoring rubric — across the full proficiency range versus at a single level — on an oral proficiency assessment.

SpeakingRasch

View Publication (Springer)

2015 · To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond

L1, L2, and Cognitive Development: Exploring Relationships

Dewey, D., Clifford, R., & Cox, T. (2015)

Explores relationships among first-language development, second-language development, and cognitive development in advanced language learners.

SLA

View Publication (ResearchGate)

2010 · TESOL Classroom Practice Series on Multilevel/Mixed-Ability Settings

iDeas for iPods

Cox, T., McMurry, B., & McCollum, R. (2010)

Offers practical ideas for using iPods and podcasting in multilevel, mixed-ability ESL classrooms.

Classroom Practice

No public link available.

1995 · Virtual Connections: Online Activities and Projects for Networking

Internet Movie Database

Cox, T. (1995)

An early classroom activity using the Internet Movie Database as a resource for language-learning tasks.

Classroom Practice

No public link available.

Book Reviews & Encyclopedia Entries

2019 · Papers in Language Testing and Assessment · Book Review

Review of Fairness, Justice, and Language Assessment by T. McNamara, U. Knoch, and J. Fan

Cox, T. (2019)

Reviews McNamara, Knoch, and Fan's book on fairness and justice in language assessment.

Assessment

View Publication (Papers in Language Testing and Assessment, PDF)

2018 · TESOL Encyclopedia for English Language Teaching · Encyclopedia Entry

Standardized Testing in Reading

Cox, T. (2018)

A reference entry on standardized reading tests for English language teaching, covering key concepts and considerations.

ReadingAssessment

View Publication (TESOL Encyclopedia, DOI)

Professional Reports

White papers prepared for ACTFL and the BYU Missionary Training Center.

2021 · White paper submitted to ACTFL

BYU ASL-ACTFL Proficiency Guideline Consensus Project

Cox, T. (2021)

Reports on a consensus project examining American Sign Language proficiency guidelines in relation to the ACTFL framework.

ACTFL

No public link available.

2019 · White paper submitted to the Missionary Training Center

Technical Report: Language Needs Analysis for the Missionary Training Center (MTC)

Cox, T., Ma, J., Hernandez, J., & Martin, D. (2019)

Presents a language needs analysis conducted for the Missionary Training Center's language training programs.

Program Administration

Internal report — no public link available.

2015 · White paper submitted to ACTFL

Findings of the ACTFL-CREDU Research Project: Linguistic Profiles of Korean Speakers of English

Cox, T. (2015)

Reports linguistic profile findings from a research project studying Korean speakers of English, conducted for ACTFL.

SpeakingACTFL

No public link available.

2015 · White paper submitted to ACTFL

The ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) Validation 2014

Cox, T. (2015)

Reports on a 2014 validation study of the AAPPL assessment.

AssessmentACTFL

No public link available.

Links above go to each publication's official DOI, journal, or publisher page. A few older items and internal reports have no public link on file.