“Better Communication Leads to a Higher Output?” An Analysis of Pair Communication on Pair Programming Productivity

Abstract

<bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Background:</b> This study focuses on how group communication affects group productivity. The specific scope of the study is pair programming. The study aims to discover whether intra-pair communication in pair programming has a significant impact on the pair programming process and output. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Literature review:</b> Many of the pair programming communication studies are descriptive and qualitative studies whose foci lay more on communication contents and alternative message deliveries. As a result, more research that focuses on analyzing the effectiveness of a person's communication skill level while performing a demanding task is needed. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Research question:</b> Does the communication competency level significantly impact pair programming output? <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Methodology:</b> A pool of novice university programming students was deployed for the experiment. The Conversational Skills Rating Scale (CSRS) was used to categorize them into three cohorts—"high-high,” “high-low,” and “low-low.” The confounding variables were controlled. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Results:</b> No significant difference was found among the three cohorts in terms of their pair programming code output. Additionally, the post-experiment questionnaire responses revealed no significant difference in compatibility and confidence levels, but did show a significant difference in communication level. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Conclusion:</b> With all things being equal, a programmer's high communication skill level doesn't play a significant role in the programming output in a pair programming setting.