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Using an interpreter in qualitative interviews: does it threaten validity?

Inez Kapborga1, Carina Berterö

  • 1Department of Nursing Science, University College of Health Sciences, Jönköping, Sweden. inez.kapborg@hhj.hj.se

Nursing Inquiry
|August 8, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Using interpreters in qualitative interviews introduces validity threats during translation. Training interpreters in the research field and researcher awareness are crucial for mitigating these issues in cross-cultural studies.

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Area of Science:

  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Cross-Cultural Psychology
  • Nursing Education

Background:

  • Extensive literature exists on translating scales across cultures.
  • Limited research addresses challenges in conducting qualitative interviews using interpreters in a non-native language.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and discuss threats to validity when using interpreters in qualitative interviews.
  • To highlight potential issues in the translation process during interviews.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten female student nurses in Lithuania.
  • Interviews were conducted in English with the assistance of an interpreter.
  • The researcher's native language is Swedish.

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Main Results:

  • Validity threats emerge at multiple translation points: researcher-to-interpreter and interpreter-to-interviewee.
  • The researcher may not be aware if the interpreter summarizes or modifies responses.
  • Potential for misinterpretation exists when the interpreter translates interviewee responses back to the researcher.

Conclusions:

  • Interpreters require not only linguistic skills but also training in the specific research field.
  • Researchers must be cognizant of these validity threats and actively work to minimize their impact.
  • Ensuring interpreter competence and researcher vigilance is key to maintaining data integrity in cross-cultural qualitative research.