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,…

Processes involved in computer searching of information systems are explained, with some caveats for the use of online searching by students and faculty. Among the concerns are overestimates of the efficacy of searching, inconsistency in search services and strategies, and other potential problems of search results' relevance. (MSE)

Provides a method for estimating precision without examining individual database documents, which requires knowledge of only the query or expressed information need and a set of database parameters constant for all queries. Concepts of historic and expected precision are examined, and applications of precision-document graphs are assessed. (36…

Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of mental imagery during training on posttest scores. Speed of retrieval time versus accuracy is discussed; perception of imagery use is examined; and treatments of experimental and control groups are described. (23 references) (LRW)

The effectiveness of using the age of references to control the exhaustivity of the reference representation in information retrieval was investigated through analysis of optimal cluster-based retrieval results. The results show that the foreground representation at its optimal level of exhaustivity is restricted to references with ages less than…

This review of the literature on full-text databases provides information on search strategy, performance measurement, and the benefits and limitations of full text compared to bibliographic database searching. Various use studies and uses of full-text databases are also listed. (21 references) (LAE)

The increasing complexity of evaluating information retrieval (IR) systems is discussed in terms of contributing factors and research methods. Examples are provided from experiments with weighted searching on a front-end system, information-seeking behavior and online catalogs, and the OKAPI experimental retrieval system. (21 references) (LAE)

Discusses the adequacy of relevance as a criterion for evaluating information retrieval system effectiveness and describes an empirical study that investigated academic library users' assessments of retrieval system performance. Results are presented that indicate relevance is not an adequate criterion in light of other success factors mentioned…

Discusses the use of natural language processing to help organize multimedia data. The MARIE system, which uses captions to embody the classificatory information and heuristic advice necessary to search a database of photographs, is explained. Advantages include improved speed of access and the ability for improved user interaction. (Contains 21…

Presents a user-centered investigation of interactive query expansion within the context of a relevance feedback system. Data were collected from 25 searches using the INSPEC database. Results discuss issues relating to query expansion, retrieval effectiveness, correspondence of the online-to-offline relevance judgments, and selection of terms for…

Describes a study that investigated the use of a natural language processing technique called noun phrasing to determine whether it is a viable technique for medical information retrieval. Evaluates four noun phrase generation tools for their ability to isolate noun phrases from medical journal abstracts, focusing on precision and recall.…

Reports results from a study exploring the information retrieval (IR) and types of interactive feedback during mediated IR. Five types of interactive feedback were identified, extending the interactive IR model to include relevance, magnitude, and strategy interactive feedback. Implications for further research investigating the nature and models…

Explores the use of metaphors as problem-solving mechanisms by novice searchers of bibliographic databases. Subjects were 28 undergraduate students at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, who "talked through" a search on a bibliographic retrieval system. A range of metaphors was apparent from the language used by students.…

Discussion of the situational dynamism of user-centered relevance estimation focuses on a study that used magnitude estimation to express the relative importance of each document retrieved from an information retrieval system. Topics addressed include relevance estimation as a cognitive schema and the relationship between learning and user…

Outlines a view of the changing framework for information retrieval suggested by the Web environment. Speculates about how some of these changes may manifest in upcoming generations of information retrieval systems. Sketches ideas about the broader context of trust management infrastructure that will be needed to support these developments, and…