Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction

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

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521690317
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/21/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	260
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Paul Cairns is Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of York's Department of Computer Science, and was previously a lecturer at the UCL Interaction Centre. He has strong interests in sound research methods for human-computer interaction with an emphasis on different statistical analysis and modelling methods, and is also very interested in the experience of playing games, specifically what it means for a player to be immersed in the game.

Anna L. Cox is Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction at the UCL Interaction Centre, University College London.

Table of Contents

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.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"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

"...For the academic, this well referenced book provides a starting point for the HCI evaluative process. For the practitioner, this book provides a sanity check on the process and methods that your consultants and subcontractors are selling. For a slim volume of just over 200pp, portions of this book are easy reading while other selections require attention to what is being said. It can’t be said enough, Cairns and Cox do an excellent job of documenting refer-ences. I recommend this book as a baseline of HCI techniques. Cairns and Cox ensure you walk away with extra insight into HCI techniques that you thought you knew all there was to know."
—Steven Chodkowski, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Software Engineering Notes

"... eminently useful for classroom use but could also stand as a professional reference or refresher."
Book News

Editorial Reviews

"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


"...For the academic, this well referenced book provides a starting point for the HCI evaluative process. For the practitioner, this book provides a sanity check on the process and methods that your consultants and subcontractors are selling. For a slim volume of just over 200pp, portions of this book are easy reading while other selections require attention to what is being said. It can’t be said enough, Cairns and Cox do an excellent job of documenting refer-ences. I recommend this book as a baseline of HCI techniques. Cairns and Cox ensure you walk away with extra insight into HCI techniques that you thought you knew all there was to know."
—Steven Chodkowski, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Software Engineering Notes


"... eminently useful for classroom use but could also stand as a professional reference or refresher."
Book News

From the Publisher