A replicated experiment of usage-based and checklist-based reading

Abstract

Software inspection is an effective method to detect faults in software artefacts. Several empirical studies have been performed on reading techniques, which are used in the individual preparation phase of software inspections. Besides new experiments, replications are needed to increase the body of knowledge in software inspections. We present a replication of an experiment, which compares usage-based and checklist-based reading. The results of the original experiment show that reviewers applying usage-based reading are more efficient and effective in detecting the most critical faults from a user's point of view than reviewers using checklist-based reading. We present the data of the replication together with the original experiment and compares the experiments. The main result of the replication is that it confirms the result of the original experiment. This replication strengthens the evidence that usage-based reading is an efficient reading technique.