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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2011 Mar 18.
Published in final edited form as: Child Dev Perspect. 2010 Apr 1;4(1):19–24. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2009.00111.x

Table 1.

Characteristics of Translation Methods

Who “translates” Attention to minimizing cultural bias Target language(s) can alter source language Underlying constructs examined Suitable for what uses?
Single methods
 Back translation Professional translators No No No Instruments with established history in source language
 Multiple-forward translation Professional translators and experts in the subject No No No Instruments with established history in source language
Combined methods
 Back translation with decentering Professional translators; can include experts in the subject No Yes Sometimes New instruments
 Back translation with decentering and multiple-forward translation Professional translators and experts in the subject No Yes Sometimes New and established instruments
 Dual focus: New instruments Experts in the subject Yes Yes Yes New instruments
 Dual focus: Existing instruments Experts in the subject No No Yes Instruments with established history in source language