Psychometric tools for assessing intercultural communicative competence: a case study for evaluating ICC in Kazakhstan
Serikbayeva A. Akizhanova D. Shinetova L. Altybayeva S. Abdrasilov B.
2026Frontiers Media SA
Frontiers in Education
2026#11
Background: The aim of the study was to adopt and validate psychometric instruments for assessing intercultural communicative competence and to examine the relationship between intercultural communicative competence (ICC) and English language proficiency among bachelor’s degree students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU). The study is based on Bennett’s (1993) Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) and Byram’s (1997) model of intercultural communicative competence (ICC). Methods: A mixed-method approach was used, involving a Likert-scale questionnaire, situational case studies, and an ICC knowledge test. The sample consisted of 118 students aged between 18 and 25 years (M = 3.54, SD = 0.61 on the ICC scale). The qualitative component of the research involved 28 English language instructors, who participated only in interviews aimed at exploring viewpoints on language evaluation, assessment of intercultural competence, and usage of psychometric tools. Reliability (Cronbach’s alpha), construct validity, and factor analysis were performed. This structure was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indices (χ2/df = 2.31, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.067, SRMR = 0.056). Conclusion: The results indicate a statistically significant moderately positive correlation between ICC and English language proficiency, suggesting that linguistic competence and intercultural competence may develop in parallel. Copyright
assessment , developmental model of intercultural sensitivity , DMIs , ICC , intercultural communicative competence , psychometric assessment
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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Translation Theory and Practice, Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Psychometric Laboratory, National Testing Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
National Testing Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Department of Translation Theory and Practice
Psychometric Laboratory
National Testing Center
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