To Grasp Cognition in Action, Combine Behavioral Experiments with Protocol Analysis

Abstract

With behavioral experiments and protocol analysis, researchers can capture cognition in action. Using behavioral experiments, they can study realized behavior, not perception or self-reports. And they can do that in a controlled laboratory environment to establish causality, curbing spurious relationships. With protocol analysis, a method to elicit decision-makers’ thoughts, researchers can tap into cognitive processes. In combination, the two methods offer a novel approach to grasp mental processes alongside behavior, to reach causality and replicate findings. We describe the methods, demonstrate how researchers can apply them, and share practices from the design of experimental instruments to the replication of findings.

Keywords: Cognition, Experiment, Protocol Analysis, Qualitative Methods, Management, Organization, Methodology

JEL Classification: B4, D7, M1, M2