Chapter 6

Think Aloud and Verbal-Probing Techniques

Abstract

This chapter describes the think aloud approach and why it is used for moderating usability testing. We discuss variations of the approach, such as concurrent and retrospective think aloud. We also discuss verbal probing technique and variations of this approach, such as concurrent and retrospective verbal probing, and scripted versus spontaneous probing. We provide guidance on how to develop and administer unbiased verbal probes. We then discuss how to choose a moderating technique depending on your pretesting goals and objectives. We discuss methods for combining usability testing with other pretesting methodologies, such as cognitive interviewing.

Keywords

Think-aloud; probing; concurrent; ...

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