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Stretching the Traditional Notion of Experiment in Computing: Explorative Experiments
1Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy. viola.schiaffonati@polimi.it.
Science and Engineering Ethics
|May 29, 2015
Summary
Computer science experiments, particularly exploratory ones, challenge traditional controlled experiment notions. This research reframes them as socio-technical experiments, emphasizing a posteriori control for new technology validation.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Philosophy of Science
- Engineering
Background:
- Experimentation is a critical, evolving topic in computing.
- Traditional controlled experiments are increasingly insufficient for computer science practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the traditional notion of controlled experiments in computing.
- To introduce and refine the concept of explorative experiments in computer science.
Main Methods:
- Drawing inspiration from philosophy of science on exploratory experimentation.
- Analyzing paradigmatic examples of experimental practices in computing.
- Recasting explorative experiments as socio-technical experiments.
Main Results:
- The traditional concept of controlled experiments requires revision for computing.
- Explorative experiments, tested in socio-technical contexts, offer a new perspective.
- Control in explorative experiments is proposed as a posteriori, not a priori.
Conclusions:
- Explorative experiments are vital for understanding the nature and role of experimental methods in computing.
- Viewing experiments as socio-technical validates new technologies within their real-world contexts.
- The concept of a posteriori control is crucial for explorative experimentation in computer science.
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