may create tensions between breadth and depth that limit our impact in both pursuits.

How Theory Can Inhibit Design Progress

may overlook the need for domain-specific theory about the content of
computing that is so critical to accelerating design progress.

By using theory as a critical lens in peer review of designs, we may create a publication bias that inhibits both theory evaluation and our search for better designs.

 if not used carefully, it can inhibit progress in subtle but important ways

New York University

Nelson, G. L., &amp; Ko, A. J. (2018). On use of theory in Computing Education Research. Proceedings of the 2018 ACM Conference on International Computing Education Research. https://doi.org/10.1145/3230977.3230992 

On Use of Theory in Computing Education Research

search for designs that improve both the learning of computing
and broader effects of that learning.

Computing Education

to help find better designs and to help interpret their
effects on the world

Use of Theory

 includes terms, framing, causal mechanisms, arguments (a collection of related claims),and a body of evidence that supports or contradicts those arguments

a theory

includes terms that name and describe phenomena

a descriptive theory

includes procedures for measurement of some terms as well as arguments
and evidence for their validity

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