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Article published In: Target
Vol. 35:4 (2023) ► pp.483–513

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Use of statistical methods in translation and interpreting research

A longitudinal quantitative analysis of eleven peer-reviewed journals (2000–2020)

ORCiD logo with link | Xiamen University
ORCiD logo with link | Xiamen University
ORCiD logo with link | Xiamen University
Published online: 23 May 2023
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.21132.han
Abstract
The study reported on in the article examines the patterns and trends of statistical analysis in translation and interpreting (T&I) research, based on a longitudinal quantitative analysis of more than 3300 research articles sampled from eleven leading T&I journals (2000–2020). This evidence-based review is the first study to provide a systematic mapping of statistical methods used by T&I researchers. Our analyses suggest that (a) about 40% of the articles use statistics, and the use of statistics has been increasing over time; (b) the most frequently used inferential statistical techniques are the t-test, Pearson’s correlation, and chi-squared test; and (c) although the use of statistical methods has become increasingly diversified, about 90% of the methods used are basic-level statistics. We discuss these findings in relation to statistical teaching and learning for relevant stakeholders, especially T&I researchers.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Categorization schemes for statistical methods
  • 3.Statistics in T&I Studies
  • 4.Research questions
  • 5.Method
    • 5.1T&I journals
    • 5.2Article selection
    • 5.3Coding scheme
    • 5.4Coding procedure
    • 5.5Data analysis
  • 6.Results
    • 6.1The extent of use of statistical methods
    • 6.2Frequency of statistical use
    • 6.3Diversity of statistical use
    • 6.4The patterns of statistical use
    • 6.5Statistical methods labeled ‘Others’
  • 7.Discussion
  • 8.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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