Editing Think aloud protocol (section)

== History ==
The think-aloud method was introduced in the usability field by Clayton Lewis<ref>{{cite tech report|author=Lewis, C. H.|year=1982|title=Using the "Thinking Aloud" Method In Cognitive Interface Design|institution=IBM|number=RC-9265}}</ref> while he was at [[IBM]], and is explained in ''Task-Centered User Interface Design: A Practical Introduction'' by Lewis and John Rieman.<ref>http://grouplab.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/saul/hci_topics/tcsd-book/chap-1_v-1.html ''Task-Centered User Interface Design: A Practical Introduction'', by Clayton Lewis and John Rieman.</ref> The method was developed based on the techniques of [[protocol analysis]] by K. Ericsson and H. Simon.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Ericsson, K., & Simon, H.|date=May 1980|title=Verbal reports as data|journal=Psychological Review|volume=87|issue=3|pages=215–251|doi=10.1037/0033-295X.87.3.215}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Ericsson, K., & Simon, H.|title=Introspection in Second Language Research|publisher=Multilingual Matters|year=1987|editor1=C. Faerch|location=Clevedon, Avon|pages=24&ndash;54|chapter=Verbal reports on thinking|editor2=G. Kasper}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Ericsson, K., & Simon, H.|title=Protocol Analysis: Verbal Reports as Data|publisher=MIT Press|year=1993|isbn=0-262-05029-3|edition=2nd|location=Boston}}</ref> However, there are some significant differences between the way Ericsson and Simon propose that protocols be conducted and how they are actually conducted by usability practitioners, as noted by Ted Boren and Judith Ramey.<ref>https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3230127_Thinking_aloud_Reconciling_theory_and_practice ''Thinking Aloud: Reconciling Theory and Practice'', by Ted Boren and Judith Ramey.</ref> These differences arise from the specific needs and context of usability testing; practitioners should be aware of these differences and adjust their method to meet their needs while still collecting valid data. For example, they may need to prompt for additional information more often than Ericsson and Simon would allow, but should take care not to influence what participants say and do.