Towards a Systematic Study of Values in SE: Tools for Industry and Education

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of ongoing research into the systematic study of human values in software engineering (SE). Firstly, we outline the rationale for this work, highlighting the significance of human values in SE and the need for both a more structured approach to their study and tools to support their articulation in the SE domain. We then explain our theoretical framework, which draws on social psychology research on values. Secondly, we introduce tools designed in line with this framework and the context of their use so far. Our tools adopt a variety of research methods, including structured mixed-method techniques, such as the 'Values Q-Sort' (V-QS), and more open design-based methods, such as the 'Values Probes'. Given the multi-faceted nature of the topic, we argue that a combination of qualitative, quantitative and design thinking techniques is a necessary step for the study of human values in SE; and that these methods should be both a) robust and replicable, and b) creative and provocative. Finally, we highlight the potential applications of our tools in SE industry and education.

Applying Human Values Theory to Software Engineering Practice: Lessons and Implications

“…A large body of research exists looking into embedding values into technology design, including work focusing on computer ethics [16], [17], [18], and, in particular, Values Sensitive Design (VSD) [19], [20], [21]. Our previous work - [2], [6], [10], [11], [12] -acknowledges VSD's importance but also highlights how our work differs, and why such differences are important and relevant to SE. In summary, we argue that, first, VSD tends to focus on a selected list of values with "ethical import" (e.g., [19], [20], [21]); and second, that VSD values constructs can lack the precision required by SE practice [7].…”

“…Our objective is three-pronged: first, to identify a scientifically robust research framework that can help systematically study how values work in SE; second, to develop new and adapt existing tools that, informed by this framework, help capture what software practitioners think and do when making values decisions; and third, to use these tools to help them reflect and articulate what specific values guide their practice, and how. Our previous publications outline the key principles of our research framework [10], introduce a set of tools designed according to the framework [11], and report on the initial results from a pilot with software practitioners from different organisations and sectors [12].…”

“…RQ2 is a question about methods: given the research framework identified in RQ1, what type of tools and techniques can be designed and used to investigate values in SE? We have developed and piloted a range of tools in previous work [11]; here, we address the challenges identified in the pilots and codesign a case study as a month-long research sprint with our industry partner. RQ3 is about practice: what can we learn from applying the framework and tools to SE practice?…”

A Review of How Whistleblowing is Studied in Software Engineering, and the Implications for Research and Practice

“…The SE community must continue working to make software, decisions and artefacts transparent and auditable, this will help identify harmful situations in a timely fashion to mitigate harmful outcomes. For example, this could be achieved by enhancing existing SE practices with values-led tools as described in [115] or through new automated SE values detection techniques [28]. Understanding the effectiveness of SE practices and being transparent about points of success and failure [103] may help practitioners "avoid misguided reporting" and support them to "carefully assess relevant aspects of the situation" as advised by the ACM Code of Ethics [1].…”

Investigating the Integration of User Values With Design Rationale and Its Effects on Hci Design Artifacts

“…This work aims at studying how designers take into account users' values, while also dealing with possible conflicts regarding the designers' own values. Winter et al (2019b) have been advancing their work regarding values in software engineering by developing different methods. The Values Survey method collects qualitative data on the relationships between values.…”