Exploring LLMs for Automated Pre-Testing of Cross-Cultural Surveys

Abstract: Designing culturally relevant questionnaires for ICTD research is challenging, particularly when adapting surveys for populations to non-western contexts. Prior work adapted questionnaires through expert reviews and pilot studies, which are resource-intensive and time-consuming. To address these challenges, we propose using LLMs to automate the questionnaire pretesting process in cross-cultural settings. Our study used LLMs to adapt a U.S.-focused climate opinion survey for a South African audience. We then tested the adapted questionnaire with 116 South African participants via Prolific, asking them to provide feedback on both versions. Participants perceived the LLM-adapted questions as slightly more favorable than the traditional version. Our note opens discussions on the potential role of LLMs in adapting surveys and facilitating cross-cultural questionnaire design.