User studies in Human-Robot Interaction

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As we have a limited (25) number of spaces for this lecture, applications will be submitted through the ILIAS course. The application function will be activated on Oct 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please write a short statement describing your motivation to participate in this course. Admission to the course is based on this statement and not solely on a “first come, first served” basis. If the course is full, you can still sign up for the waiting list. It is not possible to submit a statement of motivation for the waiting list. This is fine—you do not need a statement of motivation for the waiting list.

 

Content

Competence Goal
Students learn to independently design, conduct, and critically evaluate empirical HRI studies. They can formulate research questions, select appropriate methods, address practical and ethical constraints, analyze data, and communicate findings and limitations.

Content
The module introduces experimental and exploratory study designs, Wizard-of-Oz methods, questionnaires, observation, interviews, and qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods analysis. In small groups, students develop an interaction scenario, plan and pilot a study, collect and analyze data, and present their results. Discussions address informed consent, participant safety, data handling, and the balance between experimental control and realistic interaction. The module complements “HRI and Social Robotics” but can be taken independently.

Additional Information 
Attendance is mandatory, as active participation in discussions, group work, and presentations is required.

Workload
Course workload:

1)     Attendance of interactive course/exercise sessions: 45h (15 x 180 min) 
2)     Self-study of course material and work on homework assignments: 45h (≈3h/week)
3)     Project work (study design, data collection, analysis, reporting): 90 h

Total Load = 180 h

Recommendations 
Participation in the lecture “HRI and Social Robotics” or similar introductory courses is recommended but not required. Familiarization with the lecture content is recommended if the course has not been attended.
Language of instruction English