Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction

An essential, practical companion for all students studying Human-Computer Interaction, first published in 2006.

Paul Cairns (Edited by), Anna L. Cox (Edited by)

9780521690317, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 August 2008

260 pages, 15 tables
24.6 x 17.4 x 1.3 cm, 0.53 kg

'Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction is a wonderful resource for both students and practitioners who need to take a scientific approach to the design of user interfaces. It provides thorough introductions to many important topics. This is the first time that such a wide range of expert advice on the methods borrowed by HCI from other disciplines has been gathered into a single volume. It includes not only introductions to standard methods, but also recent advanced techniques, as well as a few alternative views from senior researchers who challenge conventional opinion.' Dr Alan Blackwell, Reader in Interdisciplinary Design, University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory

Human-Computer Interaction draws on the fields of computer science, psychology, cognitive science, and organisational and social sciences in order to understand how people use and experience interactive technology. Until now, researchers have been forced to return to the individual subjects to learn about research methods and how to adapt them to the particular challenges of HCI. This book provides a single resource through which a range of commonly used research methods in HCI are introduced. Chapters are authored by internationally leading HCI researchers who use examples from their own work to illustrate how the methods apply in an HCI context. Each chapter also contains key references to help researchers find out more about each method as it has been used in HCI. Topics covered include experimental design, use of eyetracking, qualitative research methods, cognitive modelling, how to develop new methodologies and writing up your research.

Preface
1. Controlled experiments Ann Blandford, Anna L. Cox and Paul Cairns
2. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups Anne Adams and Anna L. Cox
3. Eyetracking in HCI Natalie Webb and Tony Renshaw
4. Cognitive modelling in HCI research Anna L. Cox and David Peebles
5. Formal analysis of interactive systems: opportunities and weaknesses Michael Harrison, Jose Creissac Campos and Karsten Loer
6. Using statistics in usability research Paul Cairns and Anna L. Cox
7. A qualitative approach to HCI research Anne Adams, Peter Lunt and Paul Cairns
8. Methodological development Ann Blandford and Thomas Green
9. Theoretical analysis and theory creation Alan Dix
10. Write now! Harold Thimbleby
11. Applying old research methods to new problems Paul Cairns and Anna L. Cox.

Subject Areas: Computer science [UY], Psychology [JM], Communication studies [GTC], Research methods: general [GPS]