Translation of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale into an Equivalent Spanish Version

Abstract

A Spanish version of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS)was developed by applying a method derived from the cross-cultural and psychometric literature. The method included five sequenced studies: (a) translation and back-translation, (b) comprehension assessment, (c) psychometric equivalence study of two mixed-language versions, (d) analysis of items flagged for differential item functioning, and (e) psychometric study of the Spanish version. The method used was effective in obtaining an equivalent Spanish version of the MCSDS. Seven of 33 items were identified that functioned differently in the English and Spanish versions. Causes of this differential functioning were hypothesized by a bilingual committee, and revisions were suggested. The translated version has similar psychometric characteristics as those reported for the original English scale. Some progress was made in elucidating the factor structure of the scores of the instrument.