The purpose of this study is to conduct a cost analysis from an institutional perspective of translating an English-language survey instrument to Spanish. The authors conduct a process flow analysis of the steps required to create and validate a 30-page survey instrument with 211 items. The identified steps in the translation process cost $10,426. Personnel and overhead account for 60% and 33%, respectively, of the total costs. The detailed process of translating an English-language survey instrument to Spanish can be expensive but may be a critical component for the validity of a research study.
Aday, L., Chiu, G., & Andersen, R. (1980). Methodological issues in health care surveys of the Spanish heritage population. American Journal of Public Health, 70, 367-374.
2.
Bae, H. M. (1993). Process flow modeling and analysis: A practitioner’s approach. Industrial Engineering, 25, 54-55.
3.
Berkanovic, E. (1980). The effect of inadequate language translation on Hispanics’ responses to health surveys. American Journal of Public Health, 70, 1273-1281.
4.
Canales, S., Ganz, P. A., & Coscarelli, C. A. (1995). Translation and validation of a quality of life instrument for Hispanic American cancer patients: Methodological considerations. Quality of Life Research, 4, 3-11.
5.
Cantor, S. B., Hudson, D. V., Lichtiger, B., & Rubenstein, E. B. (1998). The costs of blood transfusion: A process flow analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 16, 2364-2370.
6.
Garcia-Pelayo y Gross, R., & Durand, M. (1983). Gran diccionario moderno Español/Inglés-English/Spanish Larousse [Larousse Modern Unabridged Spanish/English-English/Spanish Dictionary]. Mexico City, Mexico: Ediciones Larousse.
7.
Lewis, C. E., Groff, J. Y., Herman, C. J., McKeown, R. E., & Wilcox, L. (2000). Overview of women’s decision making regarding elective hysterectomy, ophorectomy, and hormone replacement therapy. Journal of Women’s Health and Gender Based Medicine, 9, S5-S14.
8.
Marín, G., & Marín, B. (1991). Research with Hispanic populations. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
9.
Roberts, R. E., & Lee, E. S. (1980). The health of Mexican-Americans: Evidence from the human population laboratory studies. American Journal of Public Health, 70, 375-384.
10.
Velásquez de la Cadena, M., Gray, E., & Iribas, J. L. (1985). Velásquez Spanish and English dictionary. Clinton, NJ: New Win.
