Methods for Assessing and Calibrating Response Scales Across Countries and Languages

Abstract

Scientific research rests on the reliable and consistent measurement of phenomenon. In cross-national or cross-cultural survey research between countries or social groups that speak different languages, the goal of replicative measurement is greatly complicated by the necessity of designing and administering questionnaires in two or more languages. This chapter examines how response categories influence the reported distribution of results. It then explains how to measure the intensity of response categories. Then, the results from American and German pilot studies of response scales and a Japanese replication are examined. The chapter also examines the use of alternative response scales. Finally, it analyses the implications of these results for cross-national research. Keywords: American pilot studies; cross-national survey; German pilot studies; Japanese replication; languages; replicative measurement; response scales; scientific research