Procedures for Translating and Evaluating Equivalence of Questionnaires for Use in Cross-Cultural Studies

AuthorAbubakar, A. - Dimitrova, R. - Adams, B. - Jordanov, V. - Stefenel, D.
PositionTilburg University, the Netherlands - Utrecht University, the Netherlands - University of Johannesburg, South Africa - National Sports Academy, Bulgaria - Contemporary Balkania, Greece
Pages79-86
Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov
Series VII: Social Sciences • Law • Vol. 6 (55) No. 2 - 2013
PROCEDURES FOR TRANSLATING AND
EVALUATING EQUIVALENCE OF
QUESTIONNAIRES FOR USE IN
CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES
A. ABUBAKAR1,2 R. DIMITROVA1 B. ADAMS1,3
V. JORDANOV4 D. STEFENEL5
Abstract: Taking into account the increased need to understand human
behaviour across different cultural contexts there is a greater need than
before to translate scales for use in large scale studies. Valid comparisons
across cultures require that the translation process be accurate and that the
scales being used measure the same psychological constructs across groups
(i.e. measurement invariance). The current paper sets out to highlight the
state- of-the-art procedures for translating scales and evaluating their
invariance across cultural context. We first highlight the different ways in
which item translation can go wrong and then discuss procedures for
carrying out the translation process. Second, we discuss the construct of
equivalence and then using data from more than 430 participants in 3
countries (Romania, United Kingdom and South Africa) we illustrate how
one can evaluate measurement equivalence within a confirmatory factor
analysis model. It is expected that the current paper will provide the reader
with adequate background information on how to carry out translation of
scales.
Key words: Test translations, Cross-cultural, Equivalance.
1 Tilburg University, the Netherlands.
2 Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
3 University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
4 National Sports Academy, Bulgaria.
5 Contemporary Balkania, Greece.
1. Introduction
The current article sets out to highlight
approaches to ensuring one adequately
translated scales in a new cultural context.
We first highlight procedures for
translations, then look at the procedures for
enhancing the quality of translation before
finally describing statistical approaches
that can be used to ensure that the
translated scales are equivalent across
contexts. Data from three cultural contexts,
Romania, the United Kingdom (UK), and
South Africa, are used to illustrate how one
can evaluate measurement invariance.
There is an increased need to study
human behaviour across cultural contexts.
Consequently, there is a great need to

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