In an HCI paper, where do you make the argument about generalizability?
Is there room for speculation? Andrew: There’s always room for speculation. That’s what discussion and limitation sections are for. The whole point of studies is to use a kernel of rigorous and trusted analysis in order to make predictions about the larger context of the world. In fact, I think too many software engineering papers simply report results and ignore what impact a tool design or study might have on our understanding of software engineering. Tools, after all, are embodiments of theories about the world, and they have just as much potential to teach us about our surroundings as studies – perhaps more. Q: As a reviewer for HCI venues, what is the most common mistake that you see software researchers making? Being more fascinated with technology itself than what technology does for people (whether those people are technology users or hardcore software developers). More often than not, I will read software engineering papers published at HCI venues that try hard to persuade me
