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2.2 Data reliability
This research report relies overwhelmingly on non-reactive data sources such as policy
documents, Test Report Forms and existing published testimonies. The vast bulk of data sources
are not influenced by the objectives of this research or by the personal characteristics of the
researcher. This multidisciplinary mixed-methods study triangulates primary and secondary data
extracted from hundreds of independent data sources dated over the past ten years to draw
inferences. This methodological design aims to achieve data reliability, validity and replicability.
Chapter 3 Evidence
This section offers an example of core evidence which underpins analysis in section 4 and
Appendix 2 of this report. These core data sets are classifiable as: official IELTS policy documents,
official IELTS pedagogical content, Test Report Forms and public testimonies.
3.1 Policy documents
IELTS’s official public issue policy documents are available online. I define the term ‘policy-
documents’ to include official IELTS documentation (paper and digital versions) that disclose and
implement IELTS’s administration procedures. IELTS’s candidate registration form is an example
of a policy document as its content contains information about IELTS’s policies and procedures.
Figure 20, overleaf, is an extract from IELTS’s application form.