Think-aloud probes reveal how respondents interpret survey wording in real time

Evidence

Participants were asked to “think aloud” when answering an item in terms of their thoughts, opinions, and reactions while answering the question (Willis, 2004). The author asked probes to elicit participant feedback on terms used and the phrasing of questions, and what participants believe the item is asking about (Willis, 2004). Examples of questions asked during cognitive interviews included, “What do you think this item is asking about?” “How would you answer this item?” “What were you thinking of while you answered this item?” and “Do you have any feedback on the wording of this item?” — Naheed Ahmed, Measurement of Perceived Interpersonal…, 30

Categorization

• SHARE: Send to anyone who designs questionnaires — the four probe questions are copy-paste ready.