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Model-Based Testing: Where Does It Stand? By Roberty Binder, Bruno Legeard

Binder et al. research design on Model- Based Testing was based on positivists approach (Easterby-Smith, 2012), here the researchers want to deduce the efficiency and effectiveness of MBT based on users' experiences (Binder et al., 2015). They used survey questions to gather quantitative data by distributing survey questions link to different people ranging from businesses, government and nonprofit organizations (Binder et al., 2015).

Data sources used in the management research example

Binder et al., research work was based only on primary data collected via web-based user survey (Binder et al., 2015). The participants involving those that have used any Model Based testing approach were given a link to the questionnaire site (Binder et al., 2015). Large number of people were invited to participate in the survey in North America. They also posted the link in different social networking groups and software testing forums. The initiative was also supported by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as they informed all participants at the User Conference on the Advanced Automated Testing. Exactly 100 MBT practitioners responded by the closing date (Binder et al., 2015).

Based on my analysis, the researchers did not make use of any secondary data source.

Alternative research methodologies that could be employed to study the same research question

Mixed method combining both qualitative and quantitative method could have been used to "increase the validity and generalizability of the results" (Easterby-Smith, 2012:61). By using qualitative method, such as in depth interview, the researcher will be able to "understand the perceptions of the users based on their personal experiences" (Easterby-Smith, 2012:126). Easterby-Smith, affirmed that the "aim of qualitative interviews should be to collect information that captures the meaning and interpretation of phenomenon in relation to the interviewee's worldview" (2012:132). This will give the researchers opportunity to understand the situation from the user's perspective and even get more information on why the user views the situation that way. By using questionnaires survey and interview in partnership design (Easterby-Smith, 2012), the interviewer is more confident of the data collected. Here interview is first conducted with smaller sample of MBT users with the result having detailed data and clarifications, then questionnaires are then used to gather more responses from larger number of Users.

Alternative data collection strategies that could be employed to study the same research question

The research was on getting information on the efficiency of MBT based on users' experiences. Interviewer-administered questionnaires could also be used as alternative to web-based survey used in the research work. This strategy according to Easterby-Smith "yields more accurate data" (2012:231). Also being present with the respondents creates the opportunity for the interviewer to ask further questions on a particular answer to get more facts, clarification and expand the question base.

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