Personality, Distraction, and Revision Efficiency in Translation Training: A Big Five Hierarchical Regression Study

Abstract

This study examined how Big Five personality traits and self-reported digital distraction relate to revision efficiency among 114 male Arabic-to-English translation students at a Saudi university. Students completed a timed online error-detection task applied to a translated passage containing 17 embedded errors. Personality was assessed using a researcher-developed ten-item Big Five-aligned questionnaire, and distraction was measured through two self-report items on notification disruption and refocus time. Efficiency was defined as correct detections per minute. A three-step hierarchical multiple regression entered duration in Step 1, Big Five scores in Step 2, and distraction indicators in Step 3. Openness and Conscientiousness emerged as significant positive predictors of efficiency after controlling for duration. Distraction indicators showed small negative bivariate associations with efficiency but did not contribute significant incremental variance once duration and personality were controlled. The findings indicate that personality traits predict revision efficiency independently of time-on-task, and that structured revision instruction may be more effective than distraction management alone in translator education.