ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the reason for translation and interpreting (T&I) research, the following inclusive definition is suggested: Experiments are scientific investigations in which an environment and a particular task are created, controlled, or manipulated for the specific purpose of collecting data in order to improve one knowledge of the object of study. Experiments are typically described as quantitative methods designed to test hypotheses. Controlled experiments are those in which some groups, the experimental groups, receive a treatment, and another group, the control group, receives none. In fact, Francis Bacon, considered by many to be the father of experimental research, recommended experiments and data collection in a broadly exploratory manner prior to theorizing. The vast majority of experiments conducted on professional T&I to date are exploratory. In addition to the didactic use in the classroom, experiments have made important contributions to the exploration of T&I phenomena.
