Research Paper (Example for Usability Testing)

Paper Requirements

• Length: 10 pages, double-spaced
• Sources: 7 sources (at least 4 from peer reviewed journals or professional publications)
  
• Citation style: APA format (see Purdue's APA Style Guide and Sample Paper)
  
• Grading: The paper will be graded for content, clarity, and grammar

The purpose of the research paper is to help support the evaluation or testing stages of your project. The topic of your research paper will depend on what you are trying to accomplish with your project. The example given below is for a software program or web application that will incorporate usability testing as part of the evaluation of the system. The research paper would then be focused on how to design for and improve human-computer interactions for increased usability of the system. Work with your instructor and mentor to define a research topic that will align with your project and testing strategy.

Human Computer Interactions (for Usability Testing)
A key component to the discipline of Information Technology is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This requires graduates to develop knowledge of Human-Computer Interactions (HCI), including but not limited to such areas as user and task analysis, human factors, ergonomics, accessibility standards, and cognitive psychology.

Requirements
Select one of the following focus areas of human-computer interaction listed below and either write a research paper or prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation on that subject.  Talk to your instructor before selecting a topic.

The Topics and Learning Outcomes document has more detail on the core and elective learning outcomes for each of the seven topics listed below:

HCI-1. Human Factors
HCI-2. HCI aspects of application domains
HCI-3. Human-centered evaluation
HCI-4. Developing effective interfaces
HCI-5. Accessibility
HCI-6. Emerging technologies
HCI-7. Human-centered software development

HCI Topics and Learning Outcomes (CIPS Link with more detailed descriptions of each topic area)


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