When conducting translation process research using an eye-tracking device, the data you expect to gather can be categorized into various types, providing insights into cognitive processes, attention, and reading patterns of translators. Here’s a concise categorization:
1. Gaze Data:
- Fixations: Locations and duration where the eyes linger.
- Saccades: Quick movements between fixations.
2. Reading Patterns:
- Re-reading Times: How often and how long a word/phrase is re-read.
- Skip Rates: Instances where words/phrases are skipped.
- Reading Speed: Words per minute or fixation duration on text.
3. Cognitive Load:
- Pupil Dilation: Changes in pupil size as an indicator of cognitive effort.
- Regression Paths: Backward eye movements, often reflecting difficulty or confusion.
4. Visual Attention:
- Heatmaps: Visualization of areas that receive most and least attention.
- AoI (Areas of Interest) Interaction: How and when translators interact with specific areas.
5. Decision-Making Process:
- Dwell Time: Time spent on specific words/phrases before making a translation decision.
- Comparison Reading: How eyes move between source and target texts.
6. Translation Strategies:
- Back-and-Forth Movements: Indicative of comparison or verification strategies.
- Pauses: Indicative of reflection or decision-making moments.
7. Error Detection & Resolution:
- Focus Shifts: Movements between erroneous words and corrected versions.
- Attention Spikes: Rapid eye movements or fixations around problematic areas.
8. Interface Interaction:
- Tool Focus: Attention given to translation memory, glossaries, or online resources.
- Navigation: How eyes move across different interface elements (menus, buttons, etc.).
9. External Resource Usage:
- Reference Check: Eye movements related to using external sources or dictionaries.
- Multitasking: Monitoring how attention switches between translation and resources.
10. Fatigue & Engagement:
- Blink Rate: Changes may indicate fatigue or decreased engagement.
- Attention Waning: Decreased fixations or increased skipping rates.
Each category enables researchers to dive deep into the different aspects of the translation process, revealing the cognitive and behavioral dimensions of translation. By analyzing this data, researchers can identify patterns, challenges, and strategies employed by translators, further facilitating the development of more efficient translation tools and training methodologies.