Survey Methodology #2003-17 - The American Community Survey (Acs) En Espanol: Using Cognitive Interviews To Test The Functional Equivalency Of Questionnaire Translations - U.s. Bureau Of The Census Page 17
ADVERTISEMENT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52Linguistic Issue #4: Literal Translations
Using the same words in two or more languages will not always convey the same idea. For
example, if a language has a word for “room” and a word for “mate,” does putting those two
words together result in a conceptual equivalent of “roommate”? This technique is reflected in
compañero de cuarto, which was intended to convey the concept of “roommate.”
Results showed only 33% of the 35 respondents interpreted compañero de cuarto as a functional
equivalent of “roommate.” Most thought this concept referred to people who share the same
bed; people who sleep together; or sexual partners. The question about roommates, as intended
by the Census Bureau, is meant to identify persons who are unrelated to the householder and
who share living quarters primarily to share expenses. The word “roommate” poses both
conceptual and linguistic challenges for the researchers.
Carrasco and Músquiz’s (2003)
research findings suggest this phenomenon is not very prevalent in the Hispanic culture and in
many Latin American countries, where the roommate situation may be limited to college
students or migrant workers. There also appears to be some degree of social desirability
associated with this term; mainly the disapproval of unmarried women living with unrelated
adults. Extended family dynamics also affect clear differentiation between household members
and relationship to the head of household.
Census Bureau interviewers have reported
respondents use Pidgin words for this concept, such as “el ruma” or “rumi.”
Design Issue #1: Mapping Responses
The question “What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed?” elicits a quick
response from respondents. Respondents know what their highest level of education or highest
degree attained is. The problem is only about one third of initial responses (n=35) correctly
11
ADVERTISEMENT
0 votes
Related Articles
Related forms
Survey Methodology #2006-02 - Use Of Dependent Interviewing Procedures To Improve Data Quality In The Measurement Of Change - U.s. Census Bureau
Legal
Survey Methodology #2012-02 - New Relationship And Marital Questions: A Reflection Of Changes To The Social And Legal Recognition Of Same-sex Couples In The U.s. - U.s. Census Bureau
Legal
Related Categories
Parent category: Legal