Accessing problem-solving strategy knowledge: The complementary use of concurrent verbal protocols and retrospective debriefing

This investigation explored the types of problem-solving strategy knowledge that can be accessed through the complementary use of 2 forms of verbal re ports: concurrent verbal protocols (CVP) and retrospective debriefings (RD) . Because the CVP-RD methodology is not commonly used, research-based guide lines for each methodology were specified and explained in the context of i nformation-processing theory. These guidelines were then applied in the col lection of 36 data sets containing CVP and RD accounts of problem solving b y professors and students in biology and political science. Secondary analy sis of these data focused on the kinds of problem-solving strategy knowledg e contained and the relationships between CVP and RD data. The complementar y use of CVP and RD methodologies provided a detailed account of problem-so lving strategies used, as well as the conditional knowledge, general belief s, and strategy acquisition knowledge that mediate strategy use. The dual C VP-RD methodology also enhanced reliability and validity in data collection and interpretation.