# Qualitative Research Methods in Software Engineering: Past, Present, and Future

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.07220 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.07220/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 11 Feb 2025.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Developing LLM-based Multi-Agent Systems in Software Engineering: A Mixed-Method Experience Report](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.11965/) (2026)
- [To Vibe Research or Not to Vibe Research? Generative AI in Qualitative Research](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.00922/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The paper entitled "Qualitative Methods in Empirical Studies of Software Engineering" by Carolyn Seaman was published in TSE in 1999. It has been chosen as one of the most influential papers from the third decade of TSE's 50 years history. In this retrospective, the authors discuss the evolution of the use of qualitative methods in software engineering research, the impact it's had on research and practice, and reflections on what is coming and deserves attention.