Cognitive effort, self-efficacy, and strategies in the translation process

Abstract

During a mixed-method study conducted at the Faculty of Languages-Mexicali Campus in the 2023-1 semester, we explored how cognitive effort manifests among our students. We designed a two-stage experiment. In the first stage, supported by experimental and cognitive psychology, we observed how cognitive effort is exhibited when choosing strategies and solving problems during the selection of CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools such as translation memories (TM) and machine translators (MT). Students faced the challenge of working collaboratively, simulating being members of a translation agency. The results of the first stage indicate that in environments requiring greater cognitive effort to process information and choose a strategy, subjects tend to switch to easier-to-apply tools, leading to less accurate results, biased responses, and poor translation quality. This occurs when translating with the support of software programs such as TM and MT. In the second part of our research, we found that higher self-efficacy among subjects generally ensures better outcomes in the final products. It is crucial to emphasize that good emotional health, its management, and a positive self-concept of the translator are variables that significantly impact their performance and future professional development. This issue is not currently addressed in the undergraduate curriculum and remains an unresolved matter.