This book presents a detailed description of the Think Aloud Method, which was developed to facilitate knowledge acquisition and problem-solving by asking the participant to think aloud while solving a problem. The Think Aloud Method is based on the premise that people are often able to verbalize their thoughts as they solve a problem, and their resulting behavior can be analyzed to answer questions about problem solving behavior. This method is useful for psychological research on problem solving behavior, as well as for knowledge acquisition in the context of building expert computer programs. In many cases the Think Aloud Method is an invaluable source of information for psychologists and knowledge engineers. The Think Aloud Method is intended for two types of readers: social scientists who want to use the Think Aloud Method for research on cognitive processes, and knowledge engineers who wish to use the method for knowledge acquisition. The book is made accessible to both audiences with short introductions to several issues that are basic knowledge for one readership, but that are not part of the standard knowledge of their community. Introductory sections on those topics relevant to both communities are also included. The Think Aloud Method will prove a welcome addition to work in this exciting area.

The think-aloud approach to classroom writing assessment is designed to expand teachers’ perspectives on adolescent students as writers and help them integrate instruction and assessment in a timely way. Emphasizing learning over evaluation, it is especially well-suited to revealing students’ strengths and helping them overcome common challenges to writing such as writer’s block or misunderstanding of the writing task. Through classroom examples, Sarah Beck describes how to implement the think-aloud method and shows how this method is flexible and adaptable to any writing assignment and classroom context. The book also discusses the significance of the method in relation to best practices in formative assessment, including how to plan think-aloud sessions with students to gain the most useful information. Teachers required to use rubrics or other standardized assessment tools can incorporate the more individualized think-aloud approach into their practice without sacrificing the rigor and consistency more regulated approaches require. “Details how both students and teachers can benefit from engaging in this practice, and does so in ways that allow readers to adapt it to their own situations.” —Peter Smagorinsky, University of Georgia “This is the first truly new way of thinking about assessing writing that I have encountered in a long time.” —Heidi L. Andrade, University at Albany–SUNY “An invaluable guide for using think-aloud formative assessments to gain insight into student writing development. Every high school and college writing instructor should read it!” —Amanda J. Godley, University of Pittsburgh

The Think-Aloud Controversy in Second Language Research aims to answer key questions about the validity and uses of think-alouds, verbal reports completed by research participants while they perform a task. It offers an overview of how think-alouds have been used in language research and presents a quantitative meta-analysis of findings from studies involving verbal tasks and think-alouds. The book begins by presenting the theoretical background and empirical research that has examined the reactivity of think-alouds, then offers guidance regarding the practical issues of data collection and analysis, and concludes with implications for the use of think-alouds in language research. With its focus on a much-discussed and somewhat controversial data elicitation method in language research, this timely work is relevant to students and researchers from all theoretical perspectives who collect first or second language data. It serves as a valuable guide for any language researcher who is considering using think-alouds.

While self-talk like "Now we are buckling you in the car seat so we can go to the store" is common parental practice, this book shows how teachers, parents, and therapists can take this to higher levels to advance language cognitive development and learning potential. Based on neuroscience and their own innovative work, the authors provide the rationale and a step-by-step process for using intentional self-talk and think-aloud methods to improve both language and cognitive development in normal and language-delayed children, as well as in older individuals with disabilities. Stories are sprinkled throughout the text to demonstrate mediated self-talk in action and the remarkable results achieved with real children. With clear guidelines for delivery, content, and timing, the crucial core of the process is to narrate thinking, action, and emotion in the presence of children without requiring their response. Book Features: Addresses the growing numbers of children entering school with "language poverty," describes the concept of mediated soliloquy (MSL), or self-talk, with individuals or classrooms—who should use it and when, where and how it can be applied, and expected outcome, and illustrates the use of MSL for specific language disorders and to improve both language and interpersonal function with children exhibiting delays, disabilities, spectrum behavior, and social/emotional difficulties.

What is the problem to be solved? -- Think-aloud interview procedures: measuring problem solving response processes -- Cognitive laboratory interview procedures: measuring comprehension and understanding -- Think-aloud interview procedures: analyzing and generating inferences from verbal report data -- Cognitive laboratory interview procedures: analyzing and generating inferences from verbal report data.

Written by the author of the best-selling HyperText & HyperMedia, this book is an excellent guide to the methods of usability engineering. The book provides the tools needed to avoid usability surprises and improve product quality. Step-by-step information on which method to use at various stages during the development lifecycle are included, along with detailed information on how to run a usability test and the unique issues relating to international usability. * Emphasizes cost-effective methods that developers can implement immediately * Instructs readers about which methods to use when, throughout the development lifecycle, which ultimately helps in cost-benefit analysis. * Shows readers how to avoid the four most frequently listed reasons for delay in software projects. * Includes detailed information on how to run a usability test. * Covers unique issues of international usability. * Features an extensive bibliography allowing readers to find additional information. * Written by an internationally renowned expert in the field and the author of the best-selling HyperText & HyperMedia.