A collection of computer programs to do chemical information retrieval are described in terms of the interactions between the computer and the chemist. In interacting with the computer, the chemist can graphically specify two-dimensional structures as queries and view structures as search results. (18 references) (Author/NH)

The Maryland Refutation Proof Procedure System (MRPPS) is an interactive experimental system intended for studying deductive search methods. Although the work is oriented towards question-answering, MRPPS provides a general problem solving capability. There are three major components within MRPPS. These are: (1) an inference system, (2) a search…

The focus of this article is on the human interaction characteristics of an information retrieval system, some design considerations to improve man-machine cooperation, and a research system at Stanford that is exploring some of these techniques. (55 references) (Author/NH)

A minimum of 30 minutes is required to learn even the rudiments of the command language (Symbolic Language). Although written instructions are helpful, practice is essential. The programmed instruction routines, which took approximately 20 minutes, were mostly of the 'yes-no' variety. Expanded routines, which would require other replies and would…

Reports on the development of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System (IIDA), a computer system designed at Drexel University, which serves as an intermediary enabling users to perform complex tasks on another computer. Capabilities of the instruction mode and assistance mode are discussed. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

The career decision making paradigm underlying the Information System for Vocational Development (ISVD) is briefly stated; it reflects the fact that a person has different information needs associated with different life stages, and with decision making stages within any given life stage. The greater portion of the report deals with the attempts,…

NLS-SCHOLAR is a prototype system that uses artificial intelligence techniques to teach computer-naive people how to use a powerful and complex editor. It represents a new kind of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system that integrates systematic teaching with actual practice, i.e., one which can keep the user under tutorial supervision while…

Feasibility study findings indicate that a potential reduction in drudgery for the scholar may be obtained through a combination of heretofore divergent solutions to the increasingly critical problem of how researchers will interface with computers for an efficient and effective review of the literature. Presently existing computer software…

SPIRES (Stanford Public Information Retrieval System) is a computerized information storage and retrieval system intended for use by students and faculty members who have little knowledge of computers but who need rapid and sophisticated retrieval and analysis. The functions and capabilities of the system from the user's point of view are…

On-line retrieval system design is discussed in the two papers which make up Part Five of this report on Salton's Magical Automatic Retriever of Texts (SMART) project report. The first paper: "A Prototype On-Line Document Retrieval System" by D. Williamson and R. Williamson outlines a design for a SMART on-line document retrieval system…

Testing in an industrial setting of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System--an intermediary system designed to train and assist users in conducting computer searches--demonstrates that end users can learn to do bibliographic searches through computer-assisted instruction that are as satisfactory as searches performed for them.…

Three specific contributions to the field of information retrieval are presented. The first two describe the establishment of an adaptive, interactive man-machine dialogue that produces a form of unsolicited librarian-like assistance for the user in his selection of index terms to characterize an indexing function. The data set upon which the…

Discusses future of online information retrieval systems in terms of types of computer hardware expected (noting size, memory, cost, microcomputers, peripherals); software expected; "user friendly" interfaces designed to enable users to search without special training; and new approaches to subject analysis and online searching.…

The trend toward on-line utilization of computers in recent years has included the emergence of computer support systems to fill the information processing needs of individuals engaged in scientific research. In this study, a new approach to document description is applied to the design of a personal information storage and retrieval system,…

This final report discusses certain parts of the successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses of the development of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) in terms of their relevance to the issues within the area of computer-assisted instruction. A major focus is on the kinds of computer-assisted instruction that promote…