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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Using an Experimental Framework to Support Variables Selection: An Exploratory Study

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Author(s):
Scatalon, Lilian Passos [1] ; Garcia, Rogerio Eduardo [2] ; Barbosa, Ellen Francine [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Math & Comp Sci, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Fac Sci & Technol, Presidente Prudente, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AND KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING; v. 31, n. 05, p. 677-692, MAY 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The selection of variables in a given experiment is crucial, since it is the theoretical foundation that guides how data should be collected and analyzed. However, selecting variables is an intricate activity, especially considering areas such as Software Engineering and Education, whose studies should also consider human-related variables in the design. In this scenario, we aim to investigate how a support mechanism helps in the variables selection activity of the experiment process. To do so, we conducted a preliminary study on the use of an experimental framework composed of a catalog of variables. We explored the domain of the integration of software testing into programming education. Participants were divided into two groups (ad hoc and framework support) and asked to select variables for a given experiment goal. We analyzed the results by identifying threats to validity in their experimental design drafts. Results show a significant number of threats of type inadequate explication of constructs for both groups. Nonetheless, the framework helped to increase the clarity of concepts selected as variables. The cause of most raised threats, even with the framework support, was an inaccuracy in selecting the values of such variables (i.e. treatments and fixed values). (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/06656-8 - Subsidies to the Conduction of Experiments in the Teaching of Programming Foundations
Grantee:Lilian Passos Scatalon
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 18/26636-2 - Software Engineering and Learning Technologies: Establishing Supporting Mechanisms for Teaching and Learning
Grantee:Ellen Francine Barbosa
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants