What is Translation Bias in assessments?

Translation Bias refers to the potential issues that arise when assessments are translated from one language to another. In this context, the phrase "loss of nuance when translating assessments into a native language" accurately describes one of the main concerns associated with translation bias. When an assessment is translated, subtle meanings, cultural references, and context-specific phrases may not carry over effectively, leading to a situation where a student's understanding of the material could be compromised. This loss can affect how well they perform on the assessment, as it may not accurately reflect their knowledge or abilities.

Translation bias can significantly impact students who are non-native speakers, as they may not fully grasp the intended meaning of questions or statements that have been translated, especially if those translations do not account for cultural differences or idiomatic expressions.