Connection between notation and quality of consecutive interpretation

The topic of notation, an important tool used in the process of consecutive interpretation, is discussed primarily in prescriptive works. Claiming that notes are a significant back-up for the interpreter's memory, the works suggest several principles that interpreters should observe in order to produce an optimal piece of notation. Nevertheless, detailed studies analyzing the influence of notes on the interpreter's performance are scarce. Many specialists have an unfavourable opinion of the possibility of an objective evaluation of interpretation quality; on the other hand, the interpreters' performance is subjected to day-by-day assessment by the market. In this area of research, it is difficult to carry out experiments and evaluation because of the small size of samples, unauthentic laboratory conditions and the individua! nature of both the notation and performance