Comparing Scores on the PPVT and ROWPVT in Preschoolers with and without Hearing Loss

Abstract

Purpose: We sought to compare raw scores, standard scores, and age equivalences on two commonly used vocabulary tests, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the Receptive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test (ROWPVT).Method: Seventy-one children, 36 with hearing loss and 35 with normal hearing, were given both the PPVT and ROWPVT as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of emergent literacy development in preschoolers with and without hearing loss. All children were between 3- and 4-years-old at administration and the two tests were administered within three weeks of each other. Sixty-one children, 31 with hearing loss and 30 with normal hearing, were given both tests again six months later. Raw scores, standard scores, and age equivalencies were calculated for both tests using published guidelines.Results: PPVT raw scores were higher than ROWPVT scores for all children at both timepoints. However, there was no significant difference on standard scores or age equivalencies when comparing the two tests. Children with normal hearing had significantly higher raw scores and standard scores than children with normal hearing, but the two groups appeared to be growing at the same rate.Conclusions: Clinicians can be comfortable administering both the PPVT and ROWPVT to estimate children’s vocabulary levels. These data also indicate that children with hearing loss continue to lag behind their peers with normal hearing on vocabulary development.