Cultural Adaptation of Research Instruments – The Case of Materialism Scales Culturally Adapted for Use in China

Abstract

Introduction: This study seeks to understand whether a back translation process can produce culturally adapted statements. Economic materialism levels are often studied using materials designed in English for the Western subject. This study revolves around culturally adapting, for use in China, economic materialism research instruments that were originally created in English for use in the West.
Methods: This study used an instrument translation process followed by a validation step in order to culturally adapt research constructs not originally designed for subjects in China. The study consisted of six main steps: forward translation, reconciliation, blind back translation, expert committee review, validation, and statistical analysis.
Results: Inadequate back translated items were identified. The analysis revealed several items that should be redesigned specifically for the Chinese cultural context. This study shows that the back translation process may be insufficient, and that Western-developed research instruments can be improved through a process of cultural adaptation.