Discussion of relevancy in information retrieval systems focuses on an analysis of the efficiency of various cluster-based retrieval (CBR) strategies. A method for combining CBR and inverted index search is proposed that is cost effective in terms of time efficiency; and results of experiments are reported. (Contains 32 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the concept of search failure in document retrieval systems and three effectiveness measures, precision, recall, and "fallout." Four research methods--retrieval effectiveness measures, user satisfaction measures, transaction log analysis, and critical incident technique--are examined, and findings of major studies using each of the…

Describes two experiments that investigated the influence of textual factors on the perception of bibliographic records. Topics include index descriptors; term overlap; extent of semantic distance; direction of semantic distance; generic trees of descriptors; relevance perception; and implications for the design of information retrieval…

This study uses the human approach to examine the sources and effectiveness of search terms selected during 40 mediated interactive database searches and focuses on determining the retrieval effectiveness of search terms identified by users and intermediaries from retrieved items during term relevance feedback. (Author/JKP)

Describes a study conducted at Oregon Health Sciences University that compared the use of three retrieval systems by medical students: a Boolean system, a word-based natural language system, and a concept-based natural language system. Results showed no statistically significant differences in recall, precision, or user preferences. (Author/LRW)

Describes and discusses metanalysis and criticisms of the methodology. Reports on a pilot study which tested the feasibility of metanalytic methods in library science research using the literature on paper- or computer-based information retrieval. (28 references) (EA)

Outlines the features and drawbacks of Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS). Praises the ease of use for end users and the variety of documents and other information available, but cautions users about searching problems resulting from the use of relevance ranking schemes. Calls for greater librarian involvement. (EA)

Discusses an experiment with the "Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors" which aimed to adapt established criteria for the evaluation of information retrieval systems to the assessment of searcher performance in online bibliographic searching. The concept of relevance is discussed, and the Cranfield paradigm for the evaluation of information…

Presents a method of modeling the relevance relationship in information retrieval to answer the question of the theoretical limits of certain statistical methods. Hypergeometric probability distribution is used to construct an abstract model of a database of MEDLINE records, and results of tests of vector retrieval methods are reported. (28…

Proposes a method of evaluating information retrieval systems by concentrating on individual tools (commands, their menus or graphic interface equivalents, or a move/stratagem). A user would assess the relative success of a small part of a search, and every tool used in that part would be credited with a contribution to the result. Cumulative…

Discusses the use of webliographies, collections of Internet sites on a particular subject, to help students find relevant and useful sources on the World Wide Web. Highlights include the validity of information sources; developing criteria for evaluating information; how to set up a webliography Web page; and HTML commands. (LRW)

Suggests a method that allows searchers to analytically compare the Boolean and probabilistic information retrieval approaches. Sample performance figures are provided for queries using the Boolean strategy, and for probabilistic systems. The variation of performance across sublanguages and queries is examined, as well as the performance of models…

Examines the effectiveness of four Web-based search engines--Alta Visa, infoseek, Lycos, and Open Text--from users' perspectives. Results show that although Lycos has the best relevance ranking performance and highest precision ratio, Alta Vista has the best connectivity, highest user satisfaction ratios for precision and three components of…

Reports the results of the second part of a research project that investigated the cognitive and physical behaviors of middle school students (17 seventh grade students) in using "Yahooligans!" to locate relevant information for an assigned research task. Sixty-nine percent partially succeeded, while 31% failed. Implications for formal…

Discusses intermediate results in a long-term project intended to develop a measurement scale based on users' relevance criteria. Based on results of five tests involving 350 users, this paper describes the development process in terms of modifications to instrument content and design, variations of techniques for data collection and analysis,…