RPR Speed and Accuracy in Stenographic Theory 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of a 'personal dictionary' in CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software?
- A reporter-specific database mapping steno outlines to words for accurate translation (Correct answer)
- A collection of preferred synonyms used during editing
- A spell-check library imported from standard word processors
- A log of previous cases and their terminology
Correct answer: A reporter-specific database mapping steno outlines to words for accurate translation
A personal dictionary contains customized steno-to-word mappings that improve translation accuracy for each reporter.
Question 2: What does 'CAT software' stand for in court reporting technology?
- Computer-Aided Transcription software (Correct answer)
- Certified Automated Typing software
- Court Automated Translation software
- Computerized Accuracy Testing software
Correct answer: Computer-Aided Transcription software
CAT software translates stenographic strokes into readable text automatically in real time or during playback.
Question 3: What is a 'glob' or 'phrase' in stenographic writing?
- A single stroke that represents an entire phrase or multi-word expression (Correct answer)
- An error where too many keys are pressed simultaneously
- A brief pause in dictation
- An unrecognized stroke in the dictionary
Correct answer: A single stroke that represents an entire phrase or multi-word expression
A phrase stroke (glob) encodes a common multi-word sequence in a single steno stroke to accelerate writing speed.
Question 4: When practicing to reach 225 wpm, what does 'pyramiding' refer to as a training technique?
- Practicing a passage starting slowly, building speed, then stepping back down (Correct answer)
- Stacking multiple briefs into single strokes
- Increasing session length gradually over days
- Practicing progressively harder vocabulary within the same speed
Correct answer: Practicing a passage starting slowly, building speed, then stepping back down
Pyramiding builds confidence and accuracy by incrementally reaching and retreating from target speeds.
Question 5: In stenography, what is the 'QWERTY row' referred to in machine layout context?
- The steno machine has no QWERTY layout — it uses a unique phonetic key arrangement (Correct answer)
- The middle row of keys on a standard steno machine
- The row of number keys at the top of the steno machine
- A software mode that allows QWERTY keyboard entry
Correct answer: The steno machine has no QWERTY layout — it uses a unique phonetic key arrangement
Steno machines use a phonetic key layout — not QWERTY — with consonant and vowel keys arranged for chording.
Question 6: What does the term 'untranslate' mean in the context of CAT software?
- A steno stroke that the CAT software could not translate into a word (Correct answer)
- A previously translated word that the reporter manually changed
- A word deleted from the personal dictionary
- A stroke recorded in the log but omitted from the transcript
Correct answer: A steno stroke that the CAT software could not translate into a word
An untranslate is a raw steno outline that the software could not match to any dictionary entry.
RPR Speed and Accuracy in Stenographic Theory 2
What is the function of a 'personal dictionary' in CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software?