Experimental Computer Science: The Need for a Cultural Change

TitleExperimental Computer Science: The Need for a Cultural Change
Publication TypeManuscript
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsFeitelson, DG
Date Published12/2006
CityJerusalem, Israel
Type of WorkWhite paper
KeywordsHypothesis Testing, Observation, Reproducibility
Abstract

The culture of computer science emphasizes novelty and self-containment, leading to a fragmentation where each research project strives to create its own unique world. This approach is quite distinct from experimentation as it is known in other sciences — i.e. based on observations, hypothesis testing, and reproducibility — that is based on a presupposed common world. But there are many cases in which such experimental procedures can lead to interesting research results even in computer science. It is therefore proposed that greater acceptance of such activities would be beneficial and should be fostered.

URLhttp://www.cs.huji.ac.il/~feit/papers/exp05.pdf
Refereed DesignationNon-Refereed