Technical Translation: Usability Strategies for Translating Technical Documentation

Information-Processing Approach 
In contrast to both the Gestalt and stimulus-response approaches to prob-
lem-solving, the information-processing approach attempts to model prob-
lem-solving from a computer perspective. The aim is to formulate steps and 
rules which are involved in solving problems in order to produce an ab-
stract model of the process (Ellis and Hunt 1993:289). Developed by New-
ell & Simon (1972), the information processing approach places problems in 
what is known as a 
problem space
. In his book written with Card and 
Moran, Newell defines a problem space as 
ciding which operator to apply next. (Card 
et al. 1983:361) 
We can further explain the problem space concept by saying that it consists 
of various states of a problem (Anderson 2000:242; Dix 1998:41). A state in 
this regard is a particular representation of the problem. In solving prob-
lems, a person starts out from what is called the 
initial state 
where the prob-
lem is unsolved and navigates through the problem space until the 
goal 
state
, where the problem is solved, is reached (Anderson 
ibid.
; Gavin 
1998:106; Dix 1998:41-42). 
In moving from the initial state, the person changes one state into an-
other using problem-solving operators. Operators are possible moves which 
can be made in order to change one state into another or to divide goals 
into sub-goals. Basically, problem-solving involves finding a series of opera-
tors which lead from the initial state to the goal state. One crucial feature of 
the problem space model is that it takes place within the cognitive process-
ing system and as such, is limited by the capacity of STM and the speed 
with which information can be retrieved from LTM. It is also important to 
note that there are different problem spaces for different tasks and that 
problem spaces may change over time as a person becomes more familiar 
with the task (Card 
et al.
1983:87). As states are converted into other states, 
it may be possible to use any one of a number of possible operators. The 
142 
…a set of states of knowledge, operators for changing one state into an-
other, constraints on applying operators and control knowledge for de-

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Reasoning & Problem-Solving
challenge here is to select the appropriate one to form one of a series of 
stages which make up problem-solving.