The Web-based Open-access Reliable Decision on Synonyms (WORDS) English Vocabulary Test

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/7fa3h
• Publication Date: 2024-03-11T21:35:06Z
• Authors: Po-Heng Chen; Rachael Catherine...; Lena Maria Blott; Jennifer M Rodd
• Keywords: Consciousness. Cognition; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; vocabulary test; Data Report; web-based; item response theory; lexical semantics; online; BF309-499

A quick and reliable test of vocabulary knowledge is a vital component many studies looking at range language processing skills. Recent proliferation online (web-based) research has generated growing need for open-access tests that can be administered online. This data report presents the newly developed 30-item Web-based Open-access Reliable Decision on Synonyms (WORDS) English Vocabulary Test. In Experiment 1, we tested 109 participants (age range: 18-69 years) an initial set 51 potential multiple-choice items in which read target word (e.g., ubiquitous) selected (near-)synonym omnipresent) from among three semantically unrelated foils interpersonal, catatonic, voluminous). We conducted item response theory analysis participants’ accuracy to select optimal subset 30 include final version test. 2, verified reliability this different sample (N = 121; 18-79 years); (internal consistency) was good (Cronbach’s α 0.82). confirmed that, consistent with numerous previous studies, (1) responses were more accurate quicker frequent compared less words, (2) older adults showed greater younger adults. The WORDS takes average 4 minutes (5 40 seconds including consent/debrief) complete. It freely accessed via Gorilla Open Materials (https://app.gorilla.sc/openmaterials/694887), allowing ease use useful comparisons between collected by researchers.