Validation of the PPVT–5 for Chinese-English bilingual learners: Application of cross-classified mixed effects model

Abstract

Despite the wide use of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) in second language acquisition and bilingual studies, very few validation studies have been conducted in bilingual contexts, especially for Chinese-English bilinguals. This study was designed to evaluate the validity evidence of the newest version of the series, the PPTV-5, for Chinese-English bilingual first graders in British Columbia, Canada. Validation in this study was an exercise of identifying and explaining sources of expected and unexpected score variations. Cross-classified mixed effects models (CCMEM) were employed to evaluate multiple sources of validity evidence in terms of demographic aspects (i.e., gender, school type, home language, and immigration background), lexical features, and test design. Results showed that there was no bias or unexpected score variations due to gender, school type, and home language. Expected score variations attributed to immigration background, lexical features and test design supported the use of PPVT-5 among Chinese-Bilingual children. In conclusion, PPVT-5 is a valid tool for assessing Chinese-English bilingual children's English receptive vocabulary in Canada.