The Trouble With Think Alouds: Generating Data Using Concurrent Verbal Protocols

Abstract

Verbal protocol analysis is a methodology that is frequently used in cognitive psychology and education. The use of this method in library and information studies, however, is still very limited. Verbal protocol analysis aims to find cognitive processes while solving a problem. However, concurrent verbal protocols have been seen to cause problems when the task involves a high cognitive load, when the information is difficult to verbalize because of its form, i.e., visual data, or when the processes are automatic for the participants. This paper looks at studies using concurrent verbal protocols and summarizes the findings of this research. Then, this paper compares and contrasts the analysis of 130 concurrent verbal protocols (Think Alouds) gathered from twelve junior high school students from Inuvik, Canada. These Think Alouds are from a case study of the information-seeking processes of junior high students when accessing information from CD-ROM encyclopedias. Preliminary analysis indicates that several of the participants experienced difficulty with Think Alouds. A discussion of possible reasons for these difficulties will be included.