What is semantic equivalence?

What is semantic equivalence?

• A. Ensuring that translated questions have comparable meaning across languages.
• B. Ensuring the syntax of translated items matches the source language.
• C. Ensuring the instrument has the same length in all languages.
• D. Ensuring statistical power is identical across groups.

Answer: (A)

Semantic equivalence means making sure the translated questions carry the same meaning as the original, so people who read them in different languages interpret and respond to the item in the same way. It focuses on preserving the underlying concept being measured across languages, not just translating words literally or matching grammar, length, or statistical properties. The goal is that the meaning is comparable across versions, which is what ensures the instrument measures the same construct in all language groups.

Semantic equivalence means making sure the translated questions carry the same meaning as the original, so people who read them in different languages interpret and respond to the item in the same way. It focuses on preserving the underlying concept being measured across languages, not just translating words literally or matching grammar, length, or statistical properties. The goal is that the meaning is comparable across versions, which is what ensures the instrument measures the same construct in all language groups.