How using dictionaries affects performance in multiple-choice EFL tests

The studies reported in this paper replicate and extend the paper by Bensoussan et al (RFL 2,2), which examined the relationship between students' performance in reading tests and their use of dictionaries during the tests. Bensoussan et al found that availability of dictionaries did not significantly affect students' scores on the test or the time they took to complete. The present study confirms he first finding, but found that students who has access to dictionaries took significantly longer to complete the test. The authors attempt to account for their findings by reference to aspects of the experimental conditions, test item types, usability of particular dictionaries, and the users.