A Description of Think Aloud Method and Protocol Analysis

TLDR

TA studies generate rich verbal data on reasoning during problem solving, yet their validity has been questioned due to inconsistent data collection and difficulty verifying findings from laborious protocol analysis. The article proposes a standardized, step‑by‑step method to obtain more accurate verbal data in TA studies. The method employs TA combined with protocol analysis to identify focal information and its use in problem resolution. This approach enables inference of the reasoning processes employed during problem solving.

Abstract

Think Aloud (TA) studies provide rich verbal data about reasoning during a problem solving task. Using TA and protocol analysis, investigators can identify the information that is concentrated on during problem solving and how that information is used to facilitate problem resolution. From this, inferences can be made about the reasoning processes that were used during the problem-solving task. In the past, the validity of data obtained from TA studies has been suspect because of inconsistencies in data collection and the inability to verify findings obtained from the slow, laborious process of protocol analysis. This article describes a means of obtaining more accurate verbal data and analyzing it in a standardized step-by-step manner.