In the assessment field, test translation and test adaptation are two terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. However, test translation and test adaptation are not the same thing. Here we’ll explore what these two terms really mean and how they can work together to create a testing instrument that is both valid and fair. We’ll also talk about some of the different types of test adaptation.

Test Translation vs. Test Adaptation

Test translation is a linguistically-focused process. It is used to create an instrument in one language that is linguistically equivalent to a testing instrument in another language. The skills required are linguistic in nature and performed by a translator, often with the assistance of a subject matter expert.

Test adaptation, on the other hand, is a culturally-focused process. It is used to create an instrument that is culturally, linguistically and/or psychometrically equivalent to an original testing instrument. In this case, a broader range of skills are required, often requiring multiple professionals such as specialized translators, cultural experts, subject matter experts and psychometricians.

Test translation always concerns two languages, but that may or may not be the case with test adaptation. For example, consider a test that was originally designed for audiences in New Zealand that needs to be adapted for use in the United States. The English language would be used in the two versions of the test, but for a suitably equivalent instrument, cultural AND linguistic changes would be required.

Every project looking to bring an established test to a new audience should begin with a thorough analysis of the testing instrument, as a whole and piece by piece. Next an action plan is drawn up. Depending on the details of the original test and the makeup of the new test-taking audience, a successful plan may require translation, adaptation or, most often, a mixed approach, requiring one or more types of adaptation for the testing instrument.

Types of Adaptation

The most common types of test adaptation for testing instruments are: construct adaptation, language adaptation, cultural adaptation and familiarity adaptation.

Construct Adaptation

Testing instruments can be used to measure different types of knowledge, experiences and abilities. However, test takers must have a common understanding of what it is that will be measured. Construct adaptation ensures that a test’s results will be meaningful.

Language Adaptation

Languages are constructed and used differently. A common word in one language may not even exist in another language. Or a common grammatical structure in one language may not be common or appropriate in another language, or may even reveal too much information to the test takers. Language adaptation requires creative problem solving to ensure that the right meaning and intention are understandable and correct in all versions of a testing instrument.

Cultural Adaptation

Different cultures have different values and practices. What may be normal or usual in one culture may not be in another. Cultural adaptation levels the playing field for target culture test takers by making culturally-informed changes to ensure that they are tested on what an item is actually testing for and are not inadvertently derailed by cultural differences.

Familiarity Adaptation

Different groups have different experiences and they may be more or less familiar with different ideas, practices and representations. Familiarity adaptation ensures that test takers are not unfairly burdened by being asked to recognize or do something that the original test assumes test takers already know or can do.

As you can see, there are different ways to adapt a test, or a part of it, with the goal of creating a fair and valid testing instrument for a new audience.

Experts in Test Adaptation

Responsive Translation has years of experience in both test translation and test adaptation for a variety of fields, including education, health and human resources. We currently work with most of the biggest names in test publishing.

If you’d like to find out more about our services and how we can help your organization, please get in touch at 646-847-3309 or [email protected].