Line of reasoning (LOR) is offered as an alternative representation of clinical decision making for studies using protocol analysis.

A LOR is defined as an argument or set of arguments leading to a conclusion.

Because LOR combines both knowledge and cognitive processes, it provides a more complete representation of how a person uses knowledge to make a decision in a particular situation than do other representations.

Operationalization of LOR in the form of templates and narratives enhances systematic data interpretation and coding.

The use of LOR as a representation is illustrated in a study of critical care nurses'clinical decision making, specifically the determination of a patient's readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation.