As part of the Forum discussion in Applied Linguistics, we have formulated some basic principles of corpus-based vocabulary studies and pedagogical wordlist creation and use. These principles can be summarised as follows:

1. Explicitly define the vocabulary construct.
2. Operationalize the vocabulary construct using transparent and replicable criteria.
3. If using corpora, take corpus evidence seriously and avoid cherry-picking.
4. Use multiple sources of evidence to test the validity of the vocabulary construct.
5. Do not rely on your intuition/experience to determine what is useful for learners; collect evidence about learner needs to evaluate the usefulness of the list.
6. Do not present learners with a decontextualized list of lexical items; use/create contextualized materials instead.

To find out more, you can read:

Brezina, V. & Gablasova, D. (2017). How to Produce Vocabulary Lists? Issues of Definition, Selection and Pedagogical Aims. A Response to Gabriele Stein. Applied Linguistics, doi:10.1093/applin/amx022.