An ontology for controlled experiments on Software Engineering

Abstract

Running multiples experiments in Software Engineering introduces the need of recording data as well as transferring knowledge across them, specially considering that several researchers are involved on replicating experiments. In this work we explore ontologies to support knowledge transfer, helping to elucidate the associated concepts of controlled experiments and their relationships. Based on our expertise on conducting controlled experiments, we have proposed an ontology to experimental studies, named EXPEROntology. The ontology proposed is intended to be used as a tool for knowledge transfer, assisting researchers, reviewers, and meta-analysts in designing, conducting, and evaluating controlled experiments. In order to validate our ontology we have instantiated it in to a controlled experiment.