In this thesis we report on the design and evaluation of interfaces to support crowdsourced programming tasks. We present WordMatch and SnipMatch: two programming tools that can incorporate crowdsourced source code. The design of these tools is informed by an investigation of crowdsourcing; specifically, Crowdsourced Human-Based Computation (CHC) systems, which organize tasks performed by humans. Recommendations include methods to obtain and maintain users who are highly motivated to participate and methods to improve task performance. WordMatch, a novel programming environment for specifying direct answers for search queries, builds on this work by introducing a parameterized search interface that can be easily understood by end users. In a laboratory study, we found that people with basic computer literacy could be taught to create complex direct answers with minimal training. Finally, evaluations of SnipMatch, a search interface for curated source code snippets, demonstrate that features from WordMatch are applicable to general programming tasks. Participants in our longitudinal study reported that SnipMatch was an effective tool for reducing context switching and as a memory aid. / Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-31 12:50:58.15
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/7795 |
| Date | 01 February 2013 |
| Creators | Wightman, Douglas |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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