Order effects in the translation process

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates how the order in which various translation memory match-types occur in a target language version of a text may influence translator behavior and cognition. Empirical research designs often attempt to mitigate for possible confounds from order effects, yet explicit recognition of the time-series nature of data collection can yield a better understanding of the influence that translation technologies have on the translation task. Data are drawn from a previous study that investigated technical, temporal, and cognitive effort in a translation memory environment, and here we analyze the time-series data for potential order effects. Findings show that order effects are present in some instances during the sequential progression through the target text, particularly with respect to technical and cognitive effort. Results are also suggestive of a potential first impression effect.