Each question response in the BLP is scalar and associated with a certain point value. Scores that can be calculated include:
- Language particular score for each module
- Global score for each language
- Composite dominance index
Self-Scoring Questionnaire (Online Version)
Scores for all components are automatically calculated with the online version of the questionnaire. Formulas are pre-inserted into the Google Docs spreadsheet where responses are stored. Click on the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet to access Responses, Module Scores, and Dominance Scores (including Global Language Scores).
Manual Scoring Procedure (Paper & Pencil Version)
Question responses in the BLP are each associated with a number on a scale. In general, higher numbers indicate greater dominance in a language.
Step 1 : Module Scores
Within each module, tally the point totals for each language separately based on the following guidelines. This will yield the language particular score for each module.
Language History
- 6 questions: each worth between 0 and 20
- Each item is worth the numerical value given in the response, with three exceptions:
- The first two items are scored in the reverse: A “20” response is worth 0, a “19” is worth 1, and so on
- Phrasal responses “Since birth” and “For as long as I can remember” are worth 20 points
- “Not yet” is worth 0 points
Language Use
- 5 questions: each worth between 0 and 10
- Each item is worth the numerical value given in the response
Language Proficiency
- 4 questions: each worth between 0 and 6
- Each item is worth the numerical value given in the response
Language Attitudes
- 4 questions: each worth between 0 and 6
- Each item is worth the numerical value given in the response
Step 2 : Global Language Scores
To ensure that each module receives equal weighting in the global language score, multiply the score for each module (each language calculated separately) by a factor of:
| Language History | 0.454 |
| Language Use | 1.09 |
| Language Proficiency | 2.27 |
| Language Attitudes | 2.27 |
Add the new module totals together to yield a global score for each language. Total points possible is 218.
Step 3 : Dominance Score
To obtain the language dominance index, subtract one language total from the other to render a dominance score that ranges from -218 to +218. A score near zero indicates balanced bilingualism and more positive or more negative scores reflect respective language dominance.
