A think aloud protocol is a method that allows researchers to understand, at least in part, the thought process of a subject as they use an e-learning program. A think aloud method is widely used in usability studies of all types of software, including e-learning programs, to collect someone’s reports of the experience of interacting with a design so that evaluators can find the underlying usability problems and hopefully detect how to fix them.
Advantages
Direct observation of what the learner is doing.
Hearing what the learner wants, or is trying, to do.
Limitations
A think aloud protocol may not help an evaluator gather sufficient information to diagnose a problem in an e-learning program without the use of probing. Another limitation is that a think aloud protocol may modify the way learners engage in the interactive learning activities because they may feel uneasy hearing their own voice throughout the whole process.
Guidelines for implementation
Specify the task that the participant needs to accomplish during the session.
Briefly explain a think aloud protocol procedure to your learner.
Then proceed with the task.
While the task is being attempted, it is important to let the participant talk and to listen very attentively to what is being said.
Use of prompts when necessary.
After the learner has accomplished the specified task (or has given up), you should take a few moments to ask the participant to summarize his or her difficulties with the task and to give you any additional comments.
Summary
Definition
A think aloud protocol is a method that allows researchers to understand, at least in part, the thought process of a subject as they use an e-learning program. A think aloud method is widely used in usability studies of all types of software, including e-learning programs, to collect someone’s reports of the experience of interacting with a design so that evaluators can find the underlying usability problems and hopefully detect how to fix them.Advantages
Limitations
Guidelines for implementation