Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: The Paranormal and Supernatural Beliefs Scale (PSBS) was developed to assess paranormal and supernatural beliefs in the population. The scale is of particular interest to Indians as these beliefs abound in India. However, India faced a language barrier because it was only available in English. Aim: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Bengali translation of the PSBS. Materials and Methods: Two linguistic experts well-versed in English and Bengali languages independently prepared two Bengali translations of the PSBS, giving the first two versions of the Bengali scale. The subject experts by consensus prepared version 3 of the scale. Two other bilingual experts back-translated version 3 of the PSBS into the English language resulting in the fourth version. Subject experts addressed differences between the fourth version of the English scale and the original version. Then version 4 was once again translated to Bengali, leading to the fifth version of the scale, which was administered to 30 individuals, who were asked to critique the items. Their suggestions were incorporated, to arrive at the sixth and final version of the Bengali translation. By convenience sampling, 91 volunteers conversant in both the English and Bengali languages were included. The subjects were administered alternately the original English version or the Bengali version of the scale initially. Then after a gap of 14 days, those who initially received the English version filled up the Bengali translation, while those who received the Bengali version filled up the English version of the scale. Results: The original English scale and the Bengali version had a mean (SD) score of 13.97 (±6.84) and 13.78 (±6.76), respectively. The scores were significantly positively correlated (Spearman’s rho = 0.900; P < 0.001). The translated scale showed a high degree of internal consistency and acceptable split-half reliability. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation yielded a one-factor solution. The Bengali translation of the PSBS was easily comprehended by the participants. Results of the Rasch analysis showed the scale had good infit and outfit values. The person’s reliability was good. The Wright map showed a good distribution of the items. Conclusion: The Bengali translation of PSBS is a valid and reliable tool to gauge the supernatural and paranormal beliefs of the Bengali-speaking population of India.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call