Exploring Modeling Aspects of Design Experiments

Abstract

In this article the authors use the process of model building (model formulation, fit, and validation) in applied settings to raise pertinent questions about design experiment (DE) methodology. We argue that the DE work presented in this issue highlights features of model formulation and local validation, but does not discuss model fitting or broader models of validation. This article marks out key areas for the DE community to address and concludes by positing that the concept of artifact failure in design research may be a more appropriate area of concern when designing an artifact (whether the artifact is a learning process or a software product). DE research is relatively new as an educational research method (Brown, 1992; Collins, 1992). We believe that DE researchers and the more general research methodology communities must work together to fully evaluate and reap the potential rewards of this developing research method. © 2003, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.