Methodological strategies for using stimulated recall in interpreting research

Abstract

There is a recognized need in translation and interpreting studies to address the challenges and limitations of using retrospective techniques (verbal reports, retrospective reports, cued reports) in studies researching the cognitive processes involved in translation and interpreting tasks (Hild, 2015; Jääskeläinen, 2017; Saldanha & O’Brien, 2014). This article contributes to the discipline by providing methodological guidance to applying a retrospective technique, stimulated recall, used to access the conscious cognitive processes in interpreting process research. We present a brief review of studies that have used this technique in cognitive studies of the interpreting process and expertise. We then propose recommendations to guide researchers in making methodological decisions regarding the study design, data collection, and protocol data preparation for analysis. We hope to promote the validity of data collected through this technique, as reliability is crucial to increase the reproducibility and generalizability of the studies in this field to advance knowledge in our discipline.