Evidence-Based Software Engineering and Systematic Reviews

<p>In the decade since the idea of adapting the evidence-based paradigm for software engineering was first proposed it has become a major tool of empirical software engineering. <b>Evidence-Based Software Engineering and Systematic Reviews</b> provides a clear introduction to the use of an evidence-based model for software engineering research and practice.<br><br>The book explains the roles of primary studies (experiments surveys case studies) as elements of an over-arching evidence model rather than as disjointed elements in the empirical spectrum. Supplying readers with a clear understanding of empirical software engineering best practices it provides up-to-date guidance on how to conduct secondary studies in software engineering—replacing the existing 2004 and 2007 technical reports.<br><br>The book is divided into three parts. The first part discusses the nature of evidence and the evidence-based practices centered on a systematic review both in general and as applying to software engineering. The second part examines the different elements that provide inputs to a systematic review (usually considered as forming a <i>secondary </i>study) especially the main forms of primary empirical study currently used in software engineering.<br><br>The final part provides practical guidance on how to conduct systematic reviews (the <i>guidelines</i>) drawing together accumulated experiences to guide researchers and students in planning and conducting their own studies. The book includes an extensive <i>glossary</i> and an appendix that provides a <i>catalogue </i>of reviews that may be useful for practice and teaching.</p>