Journal article
Interpreter-Mediated Neuropsychological Testing of Monolingual Spanish Speakers
Clinical neuropsychologist, Vol.26(1), pp.88-101
01/01/2012
DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2011.640641
PMCID: PMC3392019
PMID: 22185676
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to investigate empirically whether using an interpreter to conduct neuropsychological testing of monolingual Spanish speakers affects test scores. Participants included 40 neurologically normal Spanish speakers with limited English proficiency, aged 18-65 years (M = 39.7, SD = 13.9), who completed the Vocabulary, Similarities, Block Design, and Matrix Reasoning subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III in two counterbalanced conditions: with and without an interpreter. Results indicated that interpreter use significantly increased scores on Vocabulary and Similarities. However, scores on Block Design and Matrix Reasoning did not differ depending on whether or not an interpreter was used. In addition the findings suggested a trend toward higher variability in scores when an interpreter was used to administer Vocabulary and Similarities; this trend did not show up for Block Design or Matrix Reasoning. Together the results indicate that interpreter use may significantly affect scores for some tests commonly used in neuropsychological practice, with this influence being greater for verbally mediated tests. Additional research is needed to identify the types of tests that may be most affected as well as the factors that contribute to the effects. In the meantime neuropsychologists are encouraged to avoid interpreter use whenever practically possible, particularly for tests with high demands on interpreter abilities and skills, with tests that have not been appropriately adapted and translated into the patient's target language, and with interpreters who are not trained professionals.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Interpreter-Mediated Neuropsychological Testing of Monolingual Spanish Speakers
- Creators
- Rachel Casas - Department of Psychology , University of IowaEdmarie Guzmán-Vélez - Department of Psychology , University of IowaJavier Cardona-Rodriguez - Institute for Psychological Research (IPsi), University of Puerto RicoNayra Rodriguez - Institute for Psychological Research (IPsi), University of Puerto RicoGabriela Quiñones - Institute for Psychological Research (IPsi), University of Puerto RicoBorja Izaguirre - Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of CaliforniaDaniel Tranel - Department of Neurology , University of Iowa College of Medicine
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Clinical neuropsychologist, Vol.26(1), pp.88-101
- DOI
- 10.1080/13854046.2011.640641
- PMID
- 22185676
- PMCID
- PMC3392019
- NLM abbreviation
- Clin Neuropsychol
- ISSN
- 1385-4046
- eISSN
- 1744-4144
- Publisher
- Psychology Press
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2012
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Record Identifier
- 9984002403402771
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