Technical Translation: Usability Strategies for Translating Technical Documentation

Abductive Reasoning 
Abductive reasoning refers to the way we derive explanations from facts 
(Hill 1995:21; Dix 1998:40). Essentially, abduction involves us trying to 
find the causes of or explanations for things we see. 
Let us suppose that Bob always walks to work when his car is broken. If 
we were to see Bob walking to work one morning, we might infer that his 
car is broken. As plausible and possible as this may seem, it is unreliable be-
cause Bob may simply have decided to walk to work because he wants to 
get more exercise. 
Despite the fact that abductive reasoning is very unreliable, people fre-
quently infer explanations using this method. Indeed, beliefs acquired using 
this method will persist until events occur to show that an alternative is true 
Theoretical Approaches to Problem-Solving 
There have been numerous theoretical approaches to problem-solving over 
the decades but the most influential approaches are, perhaps, the stimulus-
response approach, Gestalt theory and the information processing approach 
(Ellis & Hunt 1993:287; Gavin 1998:104). 
140
(compare with vicarious reinforcement on page 134). 

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Reasoning & Problem-Solving
Stimulus-response Approach 
This approach assumes that learners approach problems with a number of 
existing habits of varying strengths arranged into habit-family hierarchies. 
Based on the principle of habit formation, this approach maintains that cer-
tain habits are used to tackle problems at the expense of other habits; the 
p
enough evidence to prove reliable. 
Gestalt Theory 
The Gestalt theory rests on the fundamental assumption that the way peo-
ple solve problems depends on how they perceive and structure their prob-
mans’
ability to reorganise
and recombine their perception of the problem 
allows problems to be solved. This approach identifies four stages in prob-
lem-solving (Ellis & Hunt 
ibid.
; Gavin 1998:105): 
preparation
, 
incubation
, 
illumination
and 
verification
. Gestalt theorists such as Wertheimer (1959) 
maintain that problem-solving is both a productive and a reproductive 
process. Reproductive thinking draws on or reproduces previous experi-
ence while productive thinking involves restructuring, insight and the crea-
tion of new organisations or 
Gestalts
(Dix 1998:44; Gavin 
ibid.
). 
Preparation 
A person gathers information and makes initial attempts 
to solve the problem. 
Incubation 
The problem is left for a while and other tasks are car-
ried out. 
Illumination 
The solution occurs to the person suddenly after incuba-
tion. 
Verification 
The solution is checked to see that it actually works. 
Table 2: Stages in Gestalt approach to problem-solving 
Gavin (
ibid.
) makes the point, however, that because Gestalt theories are 
based on introspection, there is insufficient proof that all of these stages oc-
cur in all cases. Consequently, such theories “lack the comprehensiveness 
necessary for a good theory” (Ellis & Hunt 
ibid.
). While Gestalt theory ul-
timately proved unsatisfactory in terms of explaining problem-solving, it 
141 
roach, like that of the Gestaltists is internalised and does not provide 
chosen habits are strengthened while the others are weakened. This ap -
lem environment (Ellis & Hunt 1993:288). Gestaltists maintain that hu

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Understanding Users 
did prove useful because it marked a shift away from previous stimulus-
response approaches (Ellis & Hunt 
ibid.
) and towards the information-
processing theory which is now so prevalent.