What is think-aloud?
Think-aloud (TA) is a cognitive strategy and research method. The TA method has been characterized by verbalizing a task and expressing all relevant factors influencing choices (Eccles & Arsal, 2017). Verbalizing an action was adopted into psychology research because expert observation requires interpretation; however, the voicing process of participants provides data and cognitive introspection (van Someren et al., 1995). TA research in sports depends on an athlete’s ability to verbalize, avoid distraction, and vocalize all thoughts connected to behavior and decision-making (Whitehead et al., 2015; van Someren et al., 1995). The suitability of golf in TA research is because it is a self-paced sport (Whitehead & Jackman). Golf has limited action and extensive analysis and decision-making involved in a golf shot (Whitehead et al., 2015). Therefore, does the data identify the performance benefits of this cognitive process?
Who Benefits?
The beginner to the expert golfer can gain from TA because it supports actions. However, the researchers explained that verbalization and situational awareness are essential, and some prospective participants could not verbalize significant elements connected to their behavior. However, the golfer’s skill level is not associated with the TA cognitive strategy. During a laboratory putting experiment, the beginner golfer would express the technical requirements for a shot, while the expert golfer would explain the action plan (Arsal et al., 2016). In a competitive setting on the golf course, the pre-shot and post-shot analysis of golfers uncovered the mental activities of observation, planning, and reflection on performance; furthermore, the self-regulation and control induced by TA were meaningful to positive shot outcomes (Whitehead & Jackman, 2021).
Identifying what is happening as it happens has been significant in discovering TA benefits in sports performance. For example, golfer’s recall of their actions in post-round interviews was distant from their actual in-round think-aloud data; furthermore, the three tiers of TA were not distinguishable (Whitehead & Jackman, 2021; Arsal et al., 2016). The different tiers of this cognitive process are linked to increased performance outcomes in golf; however, each level of TA has been more suitable for specific shots or circumstances (Arsal et al.,2016). Meaning that too much thinking could prevent fluid motion; however, not enough thought could generate indifferent golf shots.
What are the tiers of this strategy?
The three tiers of think-aloud are 1) simple inner speech, 2) expressing concepts or sensory stimuli in verbal terms, and 3) verbalizing the why: notions, meaning, and motives (Whitehead et al., 2015). As stated earlier, a beginner golfer would detail the technique needed for a shot which is a level 2 process. The competitive golfer implemented level 3 because the planning process included a deeper understanding of the conditions of the golf shot. However, a one-foot putt elicits a level 1 process. Although the descriptions of TA are simple, researchers train each level to participants to ensure rich data. Therefore, golfers can benefit from developing this mental strategy.
How is the cognitive process limited?
The golfer needs to be able to verbalize at different levels to employ TA; furthermore, the level of TA must be appropriate for the shot to elevate physical performance (Whitehead & Jackman, 2021; Arsal et al., 2016; Whitehead et al., 2015). Coaching becomes significant because each golfer processes information differently. A cognitive coach can guide golfers to practical mental activities that complement physical activities because online research cannot identify personal needs and enable achievement.
Author: Jonathan Hensey, MS Education & MS Sports Psychology
References
Arsal, G., Eccles, D. W., & Ericsson, K. A. (2016). Cognitive mediation of putting: Use of a think-aloud measure and implications for studies of golf-putting in the laboratory. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 27, 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2016.07.008
van Someren. M. W., Barnard, Y. F., & Sandberg, J. (1994). The think aloud method: A practical guide to modelling cognitive processes. Academic Press.
Whitehead, A. E., & Jackman, P. C. (2021). Towards a framework of cognitive processes during competitive golf using the think aloud method. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 53, 101869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101869
Whitehead, A. E., Taylor, J. A., & Polman, R. C. (2015). Examination of the suitability of collecting in event cognitive processes using think aloud protocol in golf. Frontiers in Psychology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01083
