The field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is constantly evolving, demanding robust methodologies and effective tools for researchers and practitioners alike. Our two new publications in the Interacting with Computers journal, within the special issue "Methods in human-computer interaction research and practice: challenges and innovations," offer valuable contributions to this evolving landscape. These papers tackle critical aspects of HCI research, from the reliability of commonly used questionnaires to the complexities of navigating the ever-growing body of HCI literature.
Are We Measuring What We Think We're Measuring? A Deep Dive into Presence Questionnaires
The first study, "Widespread yet Unreliable: A Systematic Analysis of the Use of Presence Questionnaires" by Eugene Kukshinov, Joseph Tu, Kata Szita, Kaushall Senthil Nathan, and Lennart E. Nacke, takes a critical look at the ubiquitous use of presence questionnaires in HCI research. Presence is a crucial concept in many interactive systems. However, the reliability of the tools used to measure it has been a long-standing concern.
This research delves into a systematic analysis of how presence questionnaires are currently employed. Our findings reveal a concerning trend: while these questionnaires are widely used, their application often lacks rigor and consistency. This raises important questions about the validity of conclusions drawn from studies relying on these measures. The paper highlights the need for greater awareness and more standardized practices in the use of presence questionnaires, offering valuable insights for researchers seeking to accurately assess user experience in interactive environments. You can read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1093/iwc/iwae064
Navigating the HCI Literature Maze: Introducing the INSPIRE Framework
The second publication, "Introducing the INSPIRE Framework: Guidelines From Expert Librarians for Search and Selection in HCI Literature" by Joseph Tu, Lennart Nacke, and Katja Rogers, addresses the daunting task of literature review in the ever-expanding field of HCI. With the sheer volume of publications, researchers often struggle to efficiently and effectively identify relevant work.
This paper introduces the INSPIRE framework, a set of guidelines developed in collaboration with expert librarians. This framework provides a structured approach to searching and selecting relevant literature, offering practical advice on database selection, keyword strategies, and critical appraisal of research findings. The INSPIRE framework promises to be an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced researchers, streamlining the literature review process and ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the existing body of knowledge. Learn more about the INSPIRE framework here: https://doi.org/10.1093/iwc/iwaf001
These two publications represent significant contributions to the field of HCI, addressing both methodological challenges and practical needs. They highlight the importance of rigorous research practices and offer valuable tools for navigating the complexities of the field. Researchers and practitioners alike will find these articles insightful and beneficial to their work.