The WEIRD language of surveys

MAŇO, Peter and Dimitris XYGALATAS. The WEIRD language of surveys. In Cultural Evolution Society bi-annual conference, Aarhus, Denmark, 21-23 September 2022. 2022.

Basic information

• Original name: The WEIRD language of surveys
• Authors: MAŇO, Peter and Dimitris XYGALATAS.
• Edition: Cultural Evolution Society bi-annual conference, Aarhus, Denmark, 21-23 September 2022, 2022.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• Keywords in English: WEIRD; translation; sampling; surveys

Abstract

Since the publication of the "WEIRD" study, (not too) many have realized the problem of sampling from WEIRD populations. However, to substitute or complement the WEIRD populations is not the whole solution – a related issue is the language we use in our surveys vis-à-vis our informants (subjects). After many years of investigating religious beliefs and behaviors in Mauritius, I realized that we, as scientists are often biased towards sophisticating our language use in favor of clarity, preciseness, and the standards of operationalization. If these tendencies make their way into the language we use with our informants, it can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, or even normative biases (e.g., reply in a manner the informant believes is expected from him). In other words, we use a WEIRD language with non-WEIRD populations. I propose we simplify and adjust the language while maintaining clarity so that our informants do not feel puzzled or odd when responding to our inquiries. A good starting point is thus to modify our initial survey designs by considering the local emic knowledge and comprehension.

Links

• MUNI/A/1435/2021, interní kód MU: Name: Velké otázky ve studiu náboženství: Snaha o propojování humanitní a přírodovědné expertízy (Acronym: VESNA)

Investor: Masaryk University