<p>The article by Gudmundsson (2009) looks very useful. It describes an eight step process for translating and adaptive psychological instruments. The article is written clearly with concrete suggestions and references to the broader literature.</p>

<blockquote>
  <ol>
  <li>selecting an instrument for translation</li>
  <li>selecting qualified translators</li>
  <li>selecting qualified experts </li>
  <li>Method of translation (e.g., back translation, two independent translations)</li>
  <li>Method of adaptation</li>
  <li>Investigating bias</li>
  <li>pilot studies</li>
  <li>validity studies</li>
  </ol>
</blockquote>

<p>In general, psychological scales are copyrighted. That said, many academics would be excited at the prospect of having their scale being translated into another language. Thus, in general, a good approach is to contact the author of the scale to get their consent to you performing the translation. </p>

<h3>References</h3>

<p>Gudmundsson, E. (2009). Guidelines for translating and adapting psychological instruments. Nordic Psychology, 61(2), 29.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-05T05:37:09.283Z
2016-01-05T05:37:09.283Z
Jeromy Anglim
<p>I am conducting research on Arab homosexual men. I want to translate to Arabic and validate psychological scales like scales for gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia scales ..etc
first, How to know if the scale is copyrighted or not?(e.g. are scales in the DSM copyrighted ?)
second, is their any plan or self-study book to help me do this?</p>

<methodology><cross-cultural-psychology>
Self-study guide for translating a psychological scale
Ahmed Elmahy
# Self-study guide for translating a psychological scale

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-01-03)

I am conducting research on Arab homosexual men. I want to translate to Arabic and validate psychological scales like scales for gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia scales ..etc
first, How to know if the scale is copyrighted or not?(e.g. are scales in the DSM copyrighted ?)
second, is their any plan or self-study book to help me do this?

**Tags:** methodology, cross-cultural-psychology


---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-01-05. Score: 1

The article by Gudmundsson (2009) looks very useful. It describes an eight step process for translating and adaptive psychological instruments. The article is written clearly with concrete suggestions and references to the broader literature.

> 1. selecting an instrument for translation
> 2. selecting qualified translators
> 3. selecting qualified experts
> 4. Method of translation (e.g., back translation, two independent translations)
> 5. Method of adaptation
> 6. Investigating bias
> 7. pilot studies
> 8. validity studies

In general, psychological scales are copyrighted. That said, many academics would be excited at the prospect of having their scale being translated into another language. Thus, in general, a good approach is to contact the author of the scale to get their consent to you performing the translation.

### References

Gudmundsson, E. (2009). Guidelines for translating and adapting psychological instruments. Nordic Psychology, 61(2), 29.


---

