Methodological practices of intercultural transfer of survey instruments: Lithuanian case

Abstract

The article highlights the role of intercultural comparison in fundamental and applied sciences and in social practice. There is an increase of transcultural comparison research in Lithuania, based on surveys in social sciences and related areas. The authors show that translation and transcultural validation of a questionnaire is an important part of the research. In contemporary social research methodology it is perceived as an independent object of scientific investigation. Efforts of Lithuanian researchers to transfer and adapt questionnaires compiled by foreign researchers are shown. Critically reviewed and evaluated are examples of methodological transfer incorrectness, systematically repeated in Lithuanian social research practice. On the basis of specific studies conducted in Lithuania, it is demonstrated that a superficial attitude towards questionnaire translation and transcultural transfer is potentially leading to scientific errors and bias effects.