User studies: Opportunities and limitations

Abstract

In this keynote address I reflect on the role of user studies in dictionary research. Starting with a distinction between positivistic and naturalistic general methodological paradigms, I discuss a number of specific methods and techniques, pointing to their respective strengths and weaknesses. I introduce the audience to a related research paradigm which has recently emerged within computer science, namely usability studies. Finally, I single out several key issues having to do with construct validity and operationalization, demonstrating on concrete examples why I see them as topical problems.