Junior high students and Think Alouds Generating information-seeking process data using concurrent verbal protocols

摘要

Twelveparticipants completed over 140 concurrent verbal protocols (Think Alouds) as they senarched for information using two CD-ROM encyclopedias. The ability to generate Think Alouds varied among the participants. The 2,200 statements were coded as defining, planning, monitoring, or evaluating. All participants made a majority of defining statements, but the numbner of planning, monitoring, or evaluating. All participants made a majority of defining statements, but the number of planningand monitoring statements varied among participants. It was found that some participants were in the acquisition phase, a phase where people are less likely to be able to do the task and think about the task at the same time. Other participants were able to plan and ask questions, characteristic of the consolidation phase. In a few searches, some participants seemed tobe in the consulation phase. This was characterized by the ability to perform skills, plan an approach, and discuss difficulties and problems with themselves, Researchers need to be conscious of levels of self-direction so that the most complete Think Aloud data can be gathered from participants.