Work

The Development and Validation of the Chinese Vocabulary Levels Test

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT In response to the increasing need for effective Chinese vocabulary assessments, this study developed the Chinese Vocabulary Levels Test (CVLT), a test designed for intermediate‐level Chinese as a second or foreign language (CSL/FL) learners, based on the vocabulary lists (levels 4–6) from the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (the Grading Standards), and provided initial validation evidence. The CVLT is a meaning‐recognition test designed in a multiple‐choice format, with test items developed to reflect the characteristics of Chinese characters and words. 200 intermediate‐level CSL/FL learners took the final version of the CVLT, and the data were analyzed primarily using the Rasch model. Validity arguments were proposed and justified based on Kane's interpretation/use argument framework. Overall, the results showed positive evidence supporting the scoring, generalization, and extrapolation inferences. Issues concerning test design and the validity of score interpretations were also discussed.

Source: International Journal of Applied Linguistics

DOI: 10.1111/ijal.70190

Authors: Shiwei Qi, Ailan Fu

Institution: Beijing Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Second Language Acquisition and Learning

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,240