Do HCI researchers use computers?

Abstract

Doing scientific research involves creative and complex forms of thinking. This paper examines the effect that information and computer technology (ICT) has on research practice. I present a bibliographic study that examines the role of ICT as a research tool in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) through an analysis of 79 CHI papers, identifying five themes in their references to ICT. Among recent ICT developments, the internet is found to have had the greatest effect on research methods.