Designing a Multimethod Study on the Use of CAI Tools during Simultaneous Interpreting

Even though studies on computer-assisted interpreting still represent a very small percentage in the body of research, the topic is starting to gain attention in the interpreting community. So far, only a handful of studies have focused on the use of CAI tools in the interpreting booth (Gacek, 2015; Biagini, 2015; Prandi, 2015a, 2015b). While they did shed some light on the usability and the reception of CAI tools as well as on the terminological quality of simultaneous interpreting performed with the support of such tools, these studies were only product-oriented. We still lack process-oriented, empirical research on computer-aided interpreting. A pilot study currently underway at the University of Mainz/Germersheim (Prandi, 2016, 2017) aims at bridging this gap by combining process- and product-oriented methods. After discussing the theoretical models adopted to date in CAI research, this paper will suggest how an adaptation of Seeber’s (2011) Cognitive Load Model can be better suited then Gile’s (1988, 1997, 1999) Effort Model to operationalize hypotheses on the use of CAI tools in the booth. The paper will then introduce the experimental design adopted in the study with a focus on the features of the texts used and on the rationale behind their creation.