Verbal Protocols as a Research Tool in Human Factors: Panel Discussion

Verbal protocols have been used for many years in different research contexts, but there still is no clear consensus about the validity of the technique and methods for maximizing validity in an applied setting; how to standardize the collection and analysis of protocols; and last but certainly not least, whether the resulting data is worth the effort.This panel discussion is a companion to a symposium at this conference which presents empirical studies and human factors applications of verbal protocol techniques. The panel will focus in more depth on issues raised in that earlier session, with the goal of providing guidance for practical applications of the technique.