Breadth In Design Problem Scoping: Using Insights From Experts To Investigate Student Processes

Method and Background In this study we used two methods for analyzing expert data: verbal protocol analysis (VPA) and narrative analysis. VPA has been effectively used to describe the design processes employed by engineering students, expert designers, and expert-novice comparative research. VPA involves asking participants to "think aloud" while performing the following design task: In the past, the Midwest has experienced massive flooding of the Mississippi River. What factors would you take into account in designing a retaining wall system for the Mississippi? Each participant worked individually and had up to 30 minutes to complete the design task. Verbal responses were audio recorded and transcribed for subsequent coding and interpretation. Narrative analysis entails a close reading of the transcripts seeking to identify content categories (particularly those not highlighted in the VPA) but also to trace the logic or structure underlying the respondent's answer. (See full length paper at the link below for a complete description of methods.)