Measurement and Experimentation in Software Engineering.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA085827 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The contributions of measurement and experimentation to the state-of-the-art in software engineering are reviewed. The role of measurement in developing theoretical models is discussed, and concerns for reliability and validity are stressed. Current approaches to measuring software characteristics are presented as examples. In particular, software complexity metrics related to control flow, module interconnectedness, and Halsteads Software Science are critiqued. The use of experimental methods in evaluating cause effect relationships is also discussed. Example programs of experimental research which investigated conditional statements and control flow are reviewed. The conclusion argues that advances in software engineering will be related to improvements in the measurement and experimental evaluation of software techniques and practices. Author

Author(s):
Curtis, Bill
Author Organization(s):
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO ARLINGTON VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROGRAMS
Descriptive Note:
Technical rept.,
Pagination:
0062

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
TR-80-388200-1
Contract/Grant Number(s):
N00014-79-C-0595
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_5.6.1_Assess Compliance with Guidance; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_5.5.3_Establish Metrics; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.4.5_Intuit; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management
Communities of Interest:
Ground and Sea Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, *COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, DATA PROCESSING, CONTROL, STATE OF THE ART, EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, MEASURE THEORY
Field(s)/Group(s):
Computer Programming and Software
Keyword(s):
*Structured programming, WUNR196160
Report Date:
1980 Apr 30