# Researcher Bias in Software Engineering Experiments: a Qualitative Investigation

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2008.12528 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2008.12528/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 28 Aug 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [DRAFT-ing Architectural Design Decisions using LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.08207/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Researcher Bias (RB) occurs when researchers influence the results of an empirical study based on their expectations.RB might be due to the use of Questionable Research Practices(QRPs). In research fields like medicine, blinding techniques have been applied to counteract RB. We conducted an explorative qualitative survey to investigate RB in Software Engineering (SE)experiments, with respect to (i) QRPs potentially leading to RB, (ii) causes behind RB, and (iii) possible actions to counteract including blinding techniques. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews. We interviewed nine active experts in the empirical SE community. We then analyzed the transcripts of these interviews through thematic analysis. We found that some QRPs are acceptable in certain cases. Also, it appears that the presence of RB is perceived in SE and, to counteract RB, a number of solutions have been highlighted: some are intended for SE researchers and others for the boards of SE research outlets.