Scientific Foundations
In the last chapter, we examined a variety of interaction topics in HCI. By and large, the research methodology for studying these topics is empirical and scientific. Ideas are conceived, developed, and implemented and then framed as hypotheses that are tested in experiments. This chapter presents the enabling features of this methodology. Our goal is to establish the what, why, and how of research, with a focus on research that is both empirical and experimental. While much of the discussion is general, the examples are directed at HCI. We begin with the terminology surrounding research and empirical research.
4.1 What is research?
Research means different things to different people. “Being a researcher” or ...
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