Adapting the Productive Vocabulary Test for Applied University Learners: A Pilot Validation Study

This study aims to adapt and validate Paul Nation’s Productive Vocabulary Knowledge Test (PVKT) to better suit low-proficiency learners in applied universities in China. While PVKT is a widely recognized and validated tool for assessing productive vocabulary knowledge across word frequency levels, its academic focus and cognitive demands pose challenges for learners with limited vocabulary knowledge. Guided by Kane’s (2013) Argument-Based Approach to validation and Bachman and Palmer’s (2022) Principles of Test Design, the adapted version retains PVKT’s three-tiered frequency structure (2000, 3000, and 5000 words) while incorporating simplified sentence structures and vocabulary drawn from applied university English textbooks. A pilot study involving 49 students was conducted to evaluate the adapted test's validity, reliability, and practicality. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, Cronbach’s Alpha, and test-retest reliability. The findings reveal that the adapted PVKT demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88) and moderate construct validity (r = 0.561), and demonstrates practical usability based on student and teacher feedback. This study provides a reliable and accessible diagnostic tool for productive vocabulary assessment in applied university settings and contributes to more targeted vocabulary instruction for low-proficiency learners. It holds promise for large-scale classroom-based assessment. Future research could further examine its predictive validity in learning outcomes.