Five models which perform search tasks of the Data Base Access and Search Environment (DBASE) are presented and used for comparison with subject search performance--unconstrained (rule-based, decision theoretic) and constrained (optimal rule-based, rule-based, probabilistic rule-based). Previous experiments and the modeling approach are briefly…

Discusses two models of selecting information sources--Cost/Benefit (information seekers select sources on basis of expected benefits and costs), and Least-Effort (seekers select sources on basis of minimizing effort or cost). Results of a study proposing that users place different weights on costs and benefits are presented. (EJS)

Presents methods of information query building in selective dissemination of information systems based on user's publications and examines possible compatibility between user's information queries and his publications. Methods of information query construction determined by logical operators AND, OR, NOT and set of weighted keywords are described.…

Results of investigation of exploitation costs of INSPEC database in selective dissemination of information service are presented. Parameters which influence exploitation costs--time spent looking for information, information query length, number of answers, time spent modifying user's query, and amount of modification--are analyzed. Six…

Discusses formulation of value function based on research from modelling, value assessment, human information seeking behavior, and human decision making. The proposed function is incorporated into computer-based fiction retrieval system and evaluated based on ability of individual's value function to discriminate among novels selected, rejected,…

Strategies, heuristics, and tradeoffs involved in online searching of bibliographic citation networks are discussed using results from field of citation analysis to describe mathematical structure of citation networks. Discussion of two studies of human information seeking behavior examines the search question and interconnectivity of the…

Suggests a unified concept of a lexical subsystem as part of an information system to deal with lexical problems in local and network environments. The linguistic and control functions of the lexical subsystems in solving problems for large computer systems are described, and references are included. (Author/BK)

Reviews two studies that explored people's expectations for success and how it affected searching in information sources. An earlier study, using pencil and paper format, was updated to use a computer-interactive format. A review of the studies in light of confidence assessment provides suggestions for designing computerized database interfaces.…

Offers characterization of sign-transmission which is more general than conventional signal-transmission theory. Concepts and terminology, formal description of individual communications process, reconciliation with classical signal-detection theory, applications of sign-detection formalism to information retrieval on MEDLINE database, and a…

Proposes a new learning algorithm to improve the retrieval effectiveness of the search system used in the hypertext environment using an extended Boolean model with links to improve the ranking of retrieved items. Highlights include the basic retrieval scheme, the learning scheme, and a review of basic probabilistic retrieval models. (Contains 32…

Discusses information retrieval as an inherently interactive process utilizing a variety of information-seeking strategies on informational and meta-informational levels. An interface design for a bibliographic information retrieval system, called BRAQUE (BRowsing And QUEry), that supports user interactions in a two-level hypertext environment is…

Discusses methods of weighting of descriptors in document search patterns together with the concept of relative indexing and conditions which should be satisfied by descriptor weight. A procedure for modifiying document search patterns based on users' informational needs and opinions is outlined, and examples are given. Sixteen references are…

Presents results of five experiments on human information-seeking behavior in different online information-seeking environments which studied search strategies and assessed information value in realistic search environments. A conceptual model of how humans value information is presented. Empirical and modeling results are considered for…

Describes an investigation of tools, techniques, and methods for the evaluation of interactive library catalogs, with emphasis on diagnostic methods and on use of the catalog in the wider context of user information-seeking behavior. A front-end system (Olive) developed to test various enhancements of traditional transaction lodging as a…

Outlines problems involved in information retrieval evaluation and suggests a more user-centered interpretive approach. A longitudinal study that examines evaluation through the information-seeking behavior of 22 case studies of actual users is described; and relevance judgments, effectiveness ratios, and analysis of document failures are…