The think aloud method: what is it and how do I use it?

Abstract

This paper describes the nature and utility of the think aloud method for studying thinking that qualitative researchers from any disciplinary background can consider as an option for understanding thought. The paper begins with an overview of the theoretical framework underpinning the think aloud method, and how this framework is proposed to address shortcomings of traditional interview-based methods of understanding participants’ thinking. It continues with a description of a study using the think aloud method of golfers’ thoughts during putting with the aim of demonstrating how the method can be applied, and as an opportunity to present examples of thoughts and explore how these thoughts function in the control of putting tasks. The paper finishes with proposals for how qualitative researchers might integrate the think aloud method into their own research on sport, exercise and health, and a discussion of common pitfalls and concerns with applying the method.

Keywords:

• Cognition
• mobile interviews
• process tracing
• protocol analysis
• thinking
• verbal reports

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Kerry McGannon and Brett Smith for their constructive comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.