Introduction

The process of questionnaire standardization is one of the most demanding and time-consuming stages in the development of a scientific study. Its purpose is to transform the raw scoring values obtained from participants’ responses into standardized values or norms. In this way, each individual score acquires comparative value in relation to the general population. Standardization does not only concern the collection of data but also the scientific validity of the tool, as it ensures that measurements accurately and consistently reflect the characteristics under investigation.

Concept and Importance of Standardization

Standardization is defined as the process of adjusting sample data to the actual data of the reference population. Through this process, it is ensured that the questionnaire is suitable for the specific population in which it will be applied. This involves not only statistical adjustment but also verification of the appropriateness of the tool at a social, linguistic, and cultural level. The importance of standardization is particularly critical, since on the one hand it allows the results of the study to be generalized to the wider population, and on the other hand it guarantees the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Without standardization, the results of a study risk being misleading or lacking scientific weight.

Stages of Standardization

The standardization of a questionnaire is carried out through successive stages, which require methodical planning, collaboration between experts, and sufficient time.

Selection and Design of the Questionnaire

The first stage includes identifying the appropriate research study and selecting the tool. This may be done either by designing new questionnaires or by modifying existing ones. The selection is based on criteria derived from international literature, in order to ensure the appropriateness and scientific recognition of the questionnaire.

Translation

When the questionnaire is originally developed in a foreign language, precise translation is required. This process includes bilingual translation in two directions by independent translators, comparison of the versions, feedback from the original author, and integration of the comments. In this way, it is ensured that the translation remains faithful to the original text while also being comprehensible in the new cultural context.

Cultural Adaptation

Language alone is not sufficient for the correct application of a questionnaire. Cultural adaptation is required, meaning testing on a small random sample to verify whether the questions retain the same meaning and relevance in the new population. At this stage, adjustments to wording and other modifications related to social and cultural particularities are made, ensuring the suitability of the tool.

Pilot Study

A pilot study is then conducted with a relatively small number of participants, usually between thirty and fifty. The aim is to make a preliminary assessment of the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. At this stage, errors, ambiguities, and omissions are identified and corrected before the full-scale application. If necessary, a new pilot study is carried out with the revised tool to ensure the best possible quality.

Reliability and Validity Testing

The evaluation of reliability and validity constitutes the most crucial stage of standardization. Reliability refers to the consistency with which a questionnaire measures the same characteristic at different times. For this reason, the test-retest method is often applied, where the same questionnaire is administered to the same sample twice within a short time interval, such as fifteen or thirty days. Validity, on the other hand, refers to the degree to which the tool actually measures the intended characteristic, such as depression, anxiety, or satisfaction.

Final Standardization and Distribution

After all necessary evaluations are completed and the questionnaire proves to meet the scientific criteria, it is considered standardized. At this stage, it is ready to be distributed to the selected study population, marking the beginning of the main data collection process.

Conclusion

The standardization of a questionnaire is a critical and multi-level process that is absolutely essential for the scientific validity of research findings. Through the stages of selection, translation, cultural adaptation, pilot testing, and final evaluation, it is ensured that the measurement tool is both reliable and appropriate for the population in which it is applied. Without this process, no research relying on questionnaires can provide safe and generalizable conclusions. Standardization, therefore, is not merely a formal requirement but constitutes the cornerstone of every valid scientific study.