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A Rationale-based Model for Architecture Design Reasoning

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4.1. Software engineering research methods<br />

there is a cross boundary situation. For instance, a situation where engineering and management<br />

issues are to be considered together, then what research method should be used?<br />

Additionally, the maturation of software technology over time [138] adds another dimension<br />

to software engineering research. Different kinds of problems require different<br />

research paradigms. Different research settings also post different research questions.<br />

Hence, the methods and techniques used would vary accordingly. A summary of these<br />

research settings are listed:<br />

• Feasibility - Is there a X, and what is it? Is it possible to accomplish X at all?<br />

• Characterisation - What are the characteristics of X? What do we mean by X? What<br />

are the varieties of X and how are they related?<br />

• Methods/Means - How to accomplish X? What is a better way to accomplish X?<br />

How can I automate doing X?<br />

• Generalisation - Is X always true of Y? Given X, what will Y be?<br />

• Selection - How do I decide between X and Y?<br />

Given different research settings, the answers that are sought would be quite different<br />

in nature. The techniques that are required to validate those answers would also vary<br />

[138]. A summary of these techniques are listed below:<br />

• Persuasion - use arguments to support the ideas that have been put <strong>for</strong>ward by going<br />

through an example.<br />

• Implementation - use a prototype or a case study to demonstrate the idea.<br />

• Evaluation - compare different objects of research using a check-list of criteria. The<br />

comparison of measurements <strong>for</strong>ms the basis of the evaluation. This approach can<br />

use expert-opinion an a basis <strong>for</strong> evaluation.<br />

• Analysis - analyse the facts and the consequences through derivation and proof of<br />

a <strong>for</strong>mal model, or use empirical methods such as statistical methods to carry out<br />

analysis in a controlled situation.<br />

• Experience - a subjective evaluation <strong>based</strong> on personal experience and observations<br />

about the use of the result in actual practice.<br />

Since case study research are often validated using anecdotal evidence which can be<br />

subjective, careful justifications of the evidence would be necessary.<br />

Yin described six<br />

48

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