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Hello,

I am conducting semi-structured student interviews to validate survey items
pertaining to students' attitudes towards science. I am interested in
understanding students' thinking behind their responses to twelve items
(usually answered on a Likert scale). During the interviews, I present one
item at a time and ask the student to speak out what they are thinking as
they answer the item. I generally let them talk without interrupting but I
will at times probe them with questions such as "what is the thinking
behind that?," "what is the first thing that came to your mind?," and "can
you give me an example?" So far the responses have been pretty thorough;
however, I would like to know if I can get further insights into their
thinking. Are there other ways to prompt students to think metacognitively?
Please let me know and I would really appreciate feedback.

Thank you!

Viranga Perera
PhD Candidate
Arizona State University