2 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) is a powerful methodological approach that can enhance the rigorous elicitation and documentation of complex cognitive processes within interview-based qualitative research. We provide insights into this set of semi-structured interviewing techniques that we contend have much to offer management researchers who wish to understand the complexities of expert cognition within specific work-related tasks. Distinct from traditional semi-structured interview methods, CTA is designed to identify the knowledge requirements underpinning expertise in complex work domains. First, we present CTA as a robust approach to eliciting complex cognition and note why, when, and where management scholars might best use its techniques. Second, we provide two examples of how CTA methods have been used to research management; specifically, using the Critical Decision Method to explore management in high-stakes environments, and Applied Cognitive Task Analysis to explore global leadership. In ending, we propose greater use of this pragmatic approach in management research and highlight potential avenues for future research that will advance understanding of complex cognition at work.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOrganizational Research Methods
Early online date20 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 20 Aug 2024

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Associate Editor, Professor Catherine Welch, for her thoughtful engagement and constructive suggestions in guiding the manuscript through the review process. We also thank the anonymous reviewers for their insightful and helpful comments, which have greatly improved our work. Finally, we are grateful to Gary Klein, Robert Hoffman, Laura Militello, Robert Hutton, and Brian Moon who have long advocated for the value of CTA methods and whose work has provided us with much inspiration.

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Keywords

  • context
  • field research
  • interviewing
  • qualitative approaches

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Decision Sciences
  • Strategy and Management
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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