Effects of a think-aloud method on university students' understandings of complexities of information search processes

This study explores the complex interrelatedness of learning and information inquiry in the context of apanese university students' Think-aloud searching activity, specifically from the perspective of learning that occurs outside of the formal teaching context of education and training. In this study, we attempt to have Japanese university students aware of the complexity of information search for learning by using the think-aloud method. Students were engaged in a group activity where one participant searched for information while thinking-aloud and the other members took notes of the verbal reports and recorded the behaviors on screen. Our analyses reveal the usefulness of this method to raise students' awareness of information search as complex and intertwined processes.