Statistics-IDE: Supporting the design of empirical experiments for non-experts during early stages of research projects

Abstract

Empirical experimentation and inferential statistics are often perceived as challenging among students and researchers. Yet, empirical experiments are highly relevant and appropriate methods in several areas of ergonomics and human computer interaction. This paper argues that the traditional research proposal written in prose is an ineffective mechanism for ensuring sound experiments. This paper discusses the idea of tool-based support for the design of quantitative experiments. The objective of an experimental design tool is to help the experimenter make correct and wise decisions early in the process by providing feedback on ideas at early stages. We discuss the benefits of the IDE (Integrated Development Environment) paradigm as a platform for designing quantitative experiments.