Cognitive Interviewing and Think Aloud Methods

Abstract

There are no clear recommendations, best practices, or enough experience in validation studies aimed at obtaining validity evidence using response processes. Cognitive interviewing and think aloud methods can provide such validity evidence. The overlapping labels and the blurred delimitation between cognitive interviewing and think aloud methods can lead to researchers consolidating bad practices, and avoiding obtaining full advantages from these methods. The aim of the chapter is to help researchers make informed decisions about what method is the best option when planning a validation study to obtain response processes validity evidence. First, we describe the state-of-the-art in conducting think aloud and cognitive interviewing studies, and second, we describe the main procedural issues in conducting both methods. Similarities and differences between both methods will be evident throughout the chapter.