Thirty-one students (ages 8-14) with learning disabilities or behavior disorders solved arithmetic word problems while a narrative protocol was developed. Eight types of cognitive processing difficulties were identified (such as lack of self-correction and inclusion of extraneous information), and the utility of protocol analysis as an assessment…

Examines the role of output, especially of speaking, in a foreign-language-learning environment. While speaking English, Japanese high school students' performances were videotaped, and they were asked to reflect on their cognitive processes. Students' think-aloud protocols were then classified according to their cognitive processes. (Author/VWL)

Two experiments investigated learning outcomes and comprehension processes when students learned about the heart and circulatory system using (a) text only, (b) text with simplified diagrams designed to highlight important structural relations, or (c) text with more detailed diagrams reflecting a more accurate representation. Experiment 1 found…

One purpose of this research is to develop models of cognitive processes in understanding mechanical systems. A particular focus was on the processes in mentally animating the representation of a mechanical system, and the contribution of animation graphics in comprehension. Several studies, involving eye fixations, verbal protocols, and process…

A study examined whether the process of gathering verbal reports of subjects' thinking while taking multiple-choice critical thinking tests could be used to infer the reasoning process used and identify test items which do not require critical thinking skills. Four factors can render an inference of a subject's critical thinking skills…

Presents arguments to researching response to poetry that attempts to track the process as it occurs. Describes procedures designed to ensure that the responses that are recorded come close to representing the process by which adolescent readers go about making sense of a poem. (EL)

Cognitive and metacognitive demands of initial information gathering for elementary school research assignments were studied for 23 6th graders during think-aloud/concurrent interviews. Results support the view that information retrieval and use in libraries is a problem solving task requiring flexible application of various forms of knowledge.…

A study explored the cognitive processes and social-situational influences underlying students' assessment of their own foreign language proficiency, focusing on process rather than result of self-evaluation. The subjects, 28 college student learners of French at different course levels, were administered a self-assessment questionnaire on the…

Examines the problem-solving strategies of experts and novices. Summarizes the overall performance of four experts and eight novices. Examines several protocols in depth in order to show how subjects introduced new terms and relationships during problem solving sessions. Compares the strategies of expert and novice problem solvers. (CW)

Examines mathematics problem solving in a computer software environment using graphical representations of the results of simulations with adolescent students. Discusses the strengths and limitations of inferring goals and plans, the use of verbal protocols, and ways for computer-based learning environments to scaffold acquisition of domain…

Describes a study that was conducted to describe and interpret the cognition of a graduate student during information retrieval using the World Wide Web. Results of observation, think aloud protocols, and an in-depth interview are discussed within a theory of information processing, and implications for future research are suggested. (Author/LRW)

Generally, experts agree on what good readers do to comprehend text--they connect new text with past experiences, interpret, evaluate, synthesize, and consider alternative interpretations. Yet, traditional measures of reading comprehension only provide a general indicator of how well a student understands text. They do not provide information…

Deaf students' reading strategies were identified by investigating these students' self-reported thinking during reading. In an earlier study (Schirmer, 2003), 10 elementary-level students attending a state school for the deaf had constructed meaning, monitored comprehension and activated strategies to improve comprehension, and evaluated…

High ability, highly verbal fifth grade students (n=12) were studied, by employing think aloud protocols, to identify students' use of learning strategies, encoding processes, and navigational decisions in a hypermedia lesson on propaganda techniques. Subjects were asked to read and think aloud as they worked their way through the concept lesson…

This study examined planning processes and the acquisition of expert problem solving skills among individuals of different expertise on tasks of increasing complexity. Twelve French-speaking adult students of machining (novices) and 12 French-speaking teachers of machining (experts) in Quebec (Canada) were randomly assigned to a simple or complex…