Lost in Documentation: Professional Norms and the Gaps in Survey Translation Transparency

This study systematically investigates documentation gaps in survey translation within validation studies conducted by Iranian researchers, emphasizing the critical importance of transparency in cross-cultural instrument adaptation. Using Behr and Zabal’s (2020) three-level documentation framework, 644 eligible studies were analyzed to assess the completeness of reported translation procedures. The findings reveal a pronounced imbalance: while the translation process itself is frequently documented, both preparatory (input) and resultant (output) stages are largely neglected. This selective reporting obscures essential information about translation validity, undermining methodological rigor and the replicability of research. Extending the analysis through Chesterman’s (2016) professional norms-accountability, communication, and relation-the study demonstrates that adherence to these norms is insufficient across all documentation levels. The results highlight several priorities for the field: the need for comprehensive documentation protocols, the integration of documentation practices into translator training, and the development of standardized templates that capture both formal and context-specific details. These documentation gaps not only risk marginalizing translators’ intellectual contributions but also threaten the integrity of cross-cultural research. Importantly, the patterns observed in Iran echo systemic challenges faced in other low- and middle-income countries, indicating that improving documentation standards is a global imperative for advancing transparency, equity, and quality in translation research worldwide.