[PDF][PDF] Using Mapping Studies in Software Engineering.
Ppig, 2008•inf.puc-rio.br
Background: A mapping study provides a systematic and objective procedure for identifying
the nature and extent of the empirical study data that is available to answer a particular
research question. Such studies can also form a useful preliminary step for PhD study. Aim:
We set out to assess how effective such studies have been when used for software
engineering topics, and to identify the specific challenges that they present. Method: We
have conducted an informal review of a number of mapping studies in software engineering …
the nature and extent of the empirical study data that is available to answer a particular
research question. Such studies can also form a useful preliminary step for PhD study. Aim:
We set out to assess how effective such studies have been when used for software
engineering topics, and to identify the specific challenges that they present. Method: We
have conducted an informal review of a number of mapping studies in software engineering …
Abstract
Background: A mapping study provides a systematic and objective procedure for identifying the nature and extent of the empirical study data that is available to answer a particular research question. Such studies can also form a useful preliminary step for PhD study.
Aim: We set out to assess how effective such studies have been when used for software engineering topics, and to identify the specific challenges that they present.
Method: We have conducted an informal review of a number of mapping studies in software engineering, describing their main characteristics and the forms of analysis employed. Results: We examine the experiences and outcomes from six mapping studies, of which four are published. From these we note a recurring theme about the problems of classification and a preponderance of ‘gaps’ in the set of empirical studies.
Conclusions: We identify our challenges as improving classification guidelines, encouraging better reporting of primary studies, and argue for identifying some’empirical grand challenges’ for software engineering as a focus for the community1.
inf.puc-rio.br
