Can structural equation models in second language testing and learning research be successfully replicated?

Because structural equation models are widely used in testing and assessment, investigation into the accuracy of such models may help raise awareness of the value of reanalysis or replication. We focused on second language testing and learning studies and examined: (a) To what extent is information necessary for replication provided by authors? (b) To what extent can the original models be successfully replicated? Regarding (a), we e-mailed authors of 31 articles that did not contain information needed to replicate the study and asked them for the missing information. We obtained data from only four authors. Regarding (b), we succeeded in replicating 89% of the models in the preliminary analysis, 87% to 100% of fit indices, and 94% of parameter estimates. The results suggest that for the most part, structural equation modeling research reported in second language testing and learning research is accurate.