A Serial Approach for Translating Family Science Instrumentation

Abstract

Family research and interventions undertaken with culturally diverse subjects in their first language can prove valuable in enhancing the understanding of these groups. Effectively translating instruments improves the quality of cross-cultural work both nationally and internationally. The multitude of reliable and valid instruments written in English could be most useful in these endeavors. However, translation problems can reduce the relevance and reliability of translated instruments with the target population. This article discusses these translation problems and outlines a serial process for translating family science instrumentation.