ABSTRACT
Protocol analysis offers the opportunity to gather detailed understandings of reading and reading-related phenomena. The ongoing evolution of theories of mind and reading combined with the suitability of the verbal report methodology contribute to the considerable popularity of protocol analysis (Ericsson & Simon, 1984/1993; Kucan & Beck, 1997; Pressley & Afflerbach, 1995). The convergence of theory and method offers rich opportunities for reading researchers. This chapter provides an overview of the history of use of verbal reports and protocol analysis in reading research, a discussion of current understandings and uses of verbal reports and protocol analysis, and an examination of ongoing challenges and future directions for protocol research.
