In order to ensure the relevance of research findings for T & I, ATRC Research as a general rule proceeds from authentic translation and interpreting problems and develops, refines and/or complements theoretical solutions for such authentic T & I problems. Possible general research paths are depicted in the following:

(vgl. Gerzymisch-Arbogast, Heidrun (1994): Übersetzungswissenschaftliches Propädeutikum. Tübingen/Basel: Francke.)

As suggested by the above graph, ATRC research is primarly theory building. It is applied research in the sense that theoretical concepts are tested for adequacy in real-life authentic translation and interpretation frameworks and are thus refined and supplemented. Research is empirical in the sense that the theoretical concepts developed are instruments and categories for use when working on questions and problems that are empirically accessible.