Introduction: This paper investigates techniques used by children in year 4 (age eight to nine) of a UK primary school to reformulate their queries, and how they use information retrieval systems to support query reformulation. Method: An in-depth study analysing the interactions of twelve children carrying out search tasks in a primary school…

Discusses evidence-based medicine (EBM) and the need for systematic use of databases like MEDLINE with more sophisticated search strategies to optimize the retrieval of relevant papers. Describes an empirical study of hospital libraries that examined requests for information and search strategies using both structured and unstructured forms.…

Discusses the requirements of information retrieval systems to support creative thinking as well as more convergent thinking. Highlights include the nature of creative thinking; similarity relationships; serendipity; machine processing of similarities; high order knowledge representation; and fuzzy and parallel information retrieval. (Contains 34…

Discussion of information retrieval focuses on theoretical and empirical advances in knowledge-based information retrieval. Topics discussed include the use of natural language for queries; the use of expert systems; intelligent tutoring systems; user modeling; the need for evaluation of system effectiveness; and examples of systems, including…

Discusses evidence-based decision making; describes techniques to support evidence-based retrieval in the field of medicine which emphasize the retrieval and application of high quality knowledge to solve real-world problems; and considers the transferability of evidence-based information seeking to other fields. (Contains 69 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of mediated successive searches conducted by intermediaries using the Dialog online service focuses on reasons, frequency, and characteristics of successive searches. Data is based on a longitudinal study conducted in the United Sates and the United Kingdom that investigated the processes of mediated information retrieval searching…

Indexing is the preprocessing of information to enable its retrieval, ranging from classification-based (precoordinate) to keyword searching (postcoordinate) approaches. This article describes a framework for modelling information retrieval systems in terms of sets of objects, relationships, and functions and discusses the application of indexing…

Discusses how to improve research and design more effective information retrieval systems. Topics include human-system interaction; knowledge integration; pluralistic research approaches; enhanced access to research data; more multidisciplinary integrative devices and conceptual mappings; establishing a greater mass of published research findings…

Tested hypotheses linking global/analytic cognitive styles and aspects of researchers' problem-solving and related information-seeking behavior, based on a longitudinal study conducted in the United Sates and the United Kingdom that investigated the processes of mediated information retrieval searching during human information-seeking processes.…

Describes studies conducted at the University of Sheffield that explored the variables during mediated online search interaction. Discuses aspects of the mediated search process, including user satisfaction; relevant information sources; and interaction measures derived from search logs and tape transcripts, and related interaction measures.…

Provides preliminary results from a study of mediated information retrieval at the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom) based on data from 121 information seekers who requested mediated searches. Focuses on results related to the relationship between participants' gender, cognitive styles, and information seeking behaviors. (Contains 21…

Presents the theoretical framework and research design of a project based on longitudinal data collected in the United Sates and the United Kingdom that investigated the processes of mediated information retrieval searching during human information-seeking processes. Topics include problem-solving; uncertainty; cognitive styles; and…

Discussion of information retrieval, knowledge representation, and computer-assisted learning focuses on a study that created a computer-based system designed to observe and record users' interactions with an ideal knowledge base consisting of unrevealed subject experts, appropriate documentation, and computer files. Information accessing…

This study investigates the nature, manifestations, and behavior of successive searching by users in digital environments, and establishes criteria for use in the design of information-retrieval interfaces and systems supporting successive-searching behavior. Study includes two projects--one based at the University of North Texas, one at the…

This article reports the results of a study of Master's degree students concerning the role of individual differences in Internet searching, including cognitive styles, levels of prior experience, Internet perceptions, study approaches, age, and gender. Discusses retrieval effectiveness and self-efficacy and suggests implications for system…