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The Role of Emotions in Software Engineering

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A recent study by the Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) investigates the importance of emotions in software engineering. In the study requirements engineering is considered. There is a good reason for this specific focus. As Ricarda Colomo from the UC3M mentions,

In the world of computer system development consultants, I have often met disappointed users whose unhappiness was produced by a deficient collection of requirements.

The scientists have applied a tool of social psychology, the affect grid invented by J. A. Russel. As the authors of the studies explain,

This instrument provides emotional outlines for different versions of the requirements, in addition to facilitating an analysis of the emotions of those involved in the development of the system.

The results of the study show that emotions need special consideration when negotiating and establishing requirements.

In the press release it is pointed out that previous studies have also shown the impoirtance of emotions in software enginering such as the finding that

listening to music improves the performance of some systems analysts.

The human factor seems to be widely underestimated in software engineering. Eventually, humans create software systems that are used by humans.

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