The Effects of Language of Data Collection on Derived Conceptions of healthy Personality with Filipino Bilinguals

Abstract

Using both free-response and ratings methods, we investigated the effects of language of data collection on healthy personality concepts obtained from Filipino bilinguals. We found substantial comparability in Filipino college students' healthy personality concepts as elicited by Tagalog (a native language)and English free-response questionnaires. Importance ratings of equivalent Tagalog and English characteristics for healthy personality were also similar. Some consistent language differences were found across the two methods, and some of these support a cross-cultural accommodation interpretation of language effects (i.e., that language differences reflect underlying cultural value differences). Greater diversity and refinement of healthy personality concepts were provided in the native language. However, because healthy personality concepts in the two languages did not totally overlap, use of both languages may be advantageous for comprehensive personality descriptions.