The Effects of a Translation Bias on the Scores for the Basic Economics Test

Abstract:     
International comparisons of economic understanding generally require a translation of a standardized test written in English into our own languages. We suspect that test results can differ based on how the researcher translates the English written exam into one in his/her own language. In order to confirm this hypothesis, two differently translated versions of the BET were given to elementary school students in Korea. This test result indicates the possibility of overestimating or underestimating the levels of economic understanding due to the fact that differently translated tests significantly affect the end results. Hence, it is important for us to carefully interpret international comparisons of the level of economic understanding, and a need exists for researchers to pay close attention when translating a standardized test. Our study is applicable not only to international comparisons of economic literacy but also to any comparison of knowledge across cultures or languages within a country.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 31

JEL Classification: A21, A22, I21

working papers series