Replicating reality-a better way to understanding

This paper proposes replication as an approach to conducting online experiments. Replication indicates the use of previously stored ´real-world´ data as opposed to using the results of a simulated experiment. It is argued that real data is more meaningful than simulated data since it is grounded in real experimentation rather than generated artificially. A learning management system that uses replication of reality for online experiments is introduced. The online experiment system is discussed, as is the approach of replication and some possible data management strategies.