PhD Study : Multi-modal sensor measurement of cognitive load associated with program code comprehension

Summary

Program comprehension is an established and active area of enquiry in software engineering research. It is fundamental to the task of software maintenance, especially when working with code which has been written by someone else. It includes the understanding of code fragments such as method signatures and loop control through to tracing class interactions and API interrogation in sophisticated applications. As the complexity of modern software systems and component interaction increases, there is a growing need to understand how this complexity can be managed to improve programmer productivity and code quality.

During program comprehension, a mental model is formed of the problem space and its relationship with the underlying algorithm. The mental model is an abstraction of the control flow and data structures of the program which may include a cognitive “visualization” of program execution. In recent years eye tracking has become a useful empirical technique for the study of program comprehension. It provides a direct link to the programmer’s focus of attention when reading code.

Researchers have used eye tracking technology to study program comprehension, debugging, collaborative programming and requirements traceability. The correspondence between eye gaze and attention, in the context of program comprehension, can be further explored through other neurological sensors. For example, research groups elsewhere have combined eye track recordings with fMRI data during code reading, helping to identify the brain regions (Brodmann Areas) activated during code reading and also to distinguish between the neural representations of program code versus natural text.

Building on work already completed within the School, the aim of this PhD study is to explore cognitive load during program comprehension using multi-modal neurological sensors. In identifying code and software design features which contribute to cognitive load, the findings can lead to insights for improving programmer productivity, including in a paired-programming context and considering aspects of neurodiversity.

The research will involve the design and execution of experiments in which programmers engage in structured or semi-structured coding tasks while neurological data are collected using an eye tracker, EEG (electroencephalogram) and GSR (galvanic skin response) devices. These technologies are currently available within the School. They enable the measurement of eye gaze (for example, to infer attention), neurological signals (to indicate activity within specific brain regions) and physiological signals (to infer characteristics such as stress).

Combined with other psychological instruments such as fatigue self-assessment, and data sources such as IDE (interactive development environment) event logs, the experiments will seek to gather a rich collection of data relevant to cognitive load when performing specific programming and software engineering tasks. A challenge in the project will be synchronising and analyzing these heterogeneous data sets using appropriate statistical and machine learning techniques. It is anticipated that participants in the study will range from undergraduate computing students, through to recent computing IT graduates and professional software engineers.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Publications record appropriate to career stage

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living