Perceived subtle gender bias index in the academic environment: cultural adaptation of the perceived subtle gender bias index (psgbi) for Brazil

Abstract

This methodological study, with a qualitative approach and cross-sectional design, aimed to conduct the cultural adaptation of the Perceived Subtle Gender Bias Index (PSGBI) for the Brazilian context. The choice for cultural adaptation is justified by the fact that it is an internationally validated instrument, whose application in another country requires linguistic and cultural contextualization. The process followed seven steps: (1) Initial translation by two bilingual translators; (2) Synthesis of the translations, generating a common version (Version 1); (3) Back-translation by native English speakers with no prior knowledge of the instrument; (4) Review by a multidisciplinary expert committee composed of eight women; (5) Calculation of the Content Validity Index (CVI), with items considered adequate when CVI ≥ 0.80; (6) Pretest with 34 faculty members and/or researchers from different fields, also using the Feasibility Assessment Questionnaire; and (7) Final adjustments based on the participants’ suggestions and questions. The analysis revealed semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence between the translated and original versions, as well as good comprehension and acceptance of the items by the participants. The respondents’ suggestions were discussed with the committee for the development of the final version of the instrument. It is concluded that the Brazilian version of the PSGBI presents initial evidence of content validity and is suitable for assessing subtle forms of perceived gender bias in the Brazilian academic environment. Conducting studies to determine the psychometric properties of the PSGBI – Brazilian Version is of great importance.