CS/SEME 567: Empirical Methods for Human-Centered Computing

This course introduces students to techniques for performing rigorous empirical research in computer science. Since good empirical work depends on asking good research questions, this course will emphasize creating conceptual frameworks and using them to drive research. In addition to helping students understand what makes a good research question and why, some elementary statistics will be covered. Furthermore, students will use and implement computationally intensive techniques such as randomization, bootstrapping, and permutation tests. The course also covers experiments involving human subjects, and some of the statistical and non-statistical difficulties researchers often encounter while performing such work (e.g., IRB (Institutional Review Board), correlated trials, and small sample sizes). While this course is designed for students in Human Computer Interaction, Interactive Media & Game Development, and Learning Sciences and Technologies, it is appropriate for any student with programming experience who is doing empirical research.