The criticisms of Rabinowitz, Mandler, and Patterson offered by Broadbent and Broadbent (AA 527 085) are discussed. A clarification of some of the results supports the original view that item recognition often involves retrieval processes similar to those of free recall. Data are presented to refute Broadbents' suggestion that a recognition test…

The Centre for Educational Technology which serves Clwyd's schools and college students is described in detail. (AP)

Finds that the amended Freedom of Information Act is being efficiently and effectively administered by most Federal Executive Branch agencies and outlines measures that might further improve the effectiveness of the law. (GW)

Presents an overview of the IR-NLI II system, an expert interface that allows users to access online information retrieval systems and that encompasses user modeling capabilities. Highlights include the design of the system, the structure and content of stereotypes that represent typical classes of users, and construction of user models.…

Fourth installment of a directory published in four parts in "Database" (June and August) and "Online" (July and September) provides descriptions of 12 laserdisk products together with information on the producer, compatibility, type of laserdisk, search and retrieval software, interface with magnetic media, conditions of usage, price, and status.…

Describes a study which focused on the application of magnitude estimation, an open-ended scaling technique developed in the field of sensory psychophysics, to the task of measuring relevance judgments. The discussion covers potential biases found in magnitude estimation and in commonly used category rating scaling processes. (23 references)…

Describes the use of machine aided indexing as part of NASA's information systems. The discussion covers reasons for incorporating machine aided indexing, the lexical dictionary used, subject switching, natural language processing, benefits to the system, and possible future developments. (CLB)

Discusses the feasibility and advantages of developing an enhancement for document retrieval systems that would automatically impose Boolean syntax on an input set of search terms. An online specification for such an enhancement is presented, based on experimental results using the MEDLINE database. (13 references) (CLB)

Organized by decade from 1937 to 1988, this issue presents essays on developments in information science; lists the trustees, directors and presidents of ASIS; and provides selected readings for the decade. Also included are historical and current information on award winners, special interest groups, and local chapters. (CLB)

Describes hypertext, a significantly different form of data retrieval, and gives an example of how it might be used in computer-based training. Hypertext software is discussed, including TextPro and KnowledgePro; the relationship between hypertext and expert systems is explored; and a hypertext document, PC-Hypertext, is described. (LRW)

Two articles describe a model for processing natural-language queries in information retrieval systems. Part I proposes a language interface based on fuzzy set techniques to handle the uncertainty inherent in natural-language semantics. Part II develops a model of the retrieval system and describes an implementation using a knowledge-based systems…

Describes the two basic approaches to the calculation of term discrimination values for automatic indexing. The results of an experiment that investigated the differences between algorithms of these two approaches in terms of their impact on the discrimination value model are reported and discussed. (13 references) (Author/CLB)

Identifies factors which may account for user dissatisfaction with online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discusses some advantages of OPACs over card catalogs: (1) design for subject searching; (2) flexibility; (3) browsing capability; (4) precision; (5) availability of status information; and (6) development of microcomputer software to…

Describes a computerized bibliography program that uses a selected list of keywords as subject headings and subheadings tailored to the interests of physician assistants. Each heading is translated into a numerical code that permits efficient data entry and rapid identification of terms. The program can be tailored to other allied health…