Preliminary guidelines for empirical research in software engineering

TitlePreliminary guidelines for empirical research in software engineering
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsKitchenham, BA, Pfleeger S L, Pickard LM, Jones PW, Hoaglin DC, Emam K E, Rosenberg J
JournalIEEE Trans. Softw. Eng.
Volume28
Pagination721–734
Date Published08/2002
ISSN0098-5589
Keywordsempirical software research, research guidelines, statistical mistakes
Abstract

Empirical software engineering research needs research guidelines to improve the research and reporting processes. We propose a preliminary set of research guidelines aimed at stimulating discussion among software researchers. They are based on a review of research guidelines developed for medical researchers and on our own experience in doing and reviewing software engineering research. The guidelines are intended to assist researchers, reviewers, and meta-analysts in designing, conducting, and evaluating empirical studies. Editorial boards of software engineering journals may wish to use our recommendations as a basis for developing guidelines for reviewers and for framing policies for dealing with the design, data collection, and analysis and reporting of empirical studies.

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TSE.2002.1027796
Refereed DesignationRefereed