Reflecting on the think‐aloud method for evaluating e‐learning

Abstract

E‐learning is increasingly being used in higher education settings, yet research examining how students use e‐resources is frequently limited. Some previous studies have used the think‐aloud method (an approach with origins in cognitive psychology) as an alternative to the more usual questionnaire or focus groups, but there is little discussion in the educational literature about the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. In this paper, we discuss our experience of using the think‐aloud method in a recent study, and we reflect on its potential contribution as a research method. A number of concerns about the method arose during our study, including the level of guidance given to participants, observer influence, and the complexity of data analysis. We conclude, however, that the richness of the data collected outweighs these constraints, and that the think‐aloud method has the potential to enhance research in this field.