Showing papers on "Human–computer information retrieval published in 1984"

The user's mental model of an information retrieval system : effects on performance

Abstract: An empirical study was performed to train naive subjects in the use of a prototype Boolean logic-based information retrieval system on a bibliographic database. Subjects were undergraduates with little or no prior computing experience. Subjects trained with a conceptual model of the system performed better than subjects trained with procedural instructions, but only on complex, problem-solving tasks. Performance was equal on simple tasks. Differences in patterns of interaction with the system (based on a stochastic process model) showed parallel results. Most subjects were able to articulate some description of the system's operation, but few articulated a model similar to the card catalog analogy provided in training. Eleven of 43 subjects were unable to achieve minimal competency in system use. The failure rate was equal between training conditions and genders; the only differences found between those passing and failing the benchmark test were academic major and in frequency of library use.

Inductive Information Retrieval Using Parallel Distributed Computation.

Abstract: : Massively parallel, distributed models of computation offer a new approach to the representation and manipulation of knowledge. This paper reports on an application of parallel models to the area of information retrieval. The retrieval system described makes dynamic use of the internal structure of a database to infer relationships among items in the database. Using these relationships, the system can help overcome incompleteness and imprecision in requests for information, as well as in the database itself. (Author)

Theory and explanation in information retrieval research

Abstract: The relationship between theory and explanation in informa tion retrieval research is analysed. Problems in the development of a generalisable information retrieval theory from informa tion retrieval experiment and the associated mathematical mod elling is examined. The source of these problems is traced back to assumptions underlying information retrieval research, and to the nature of the relationship between the theoretical frame work of information retrieval research and the nature of the problems on which this framework is brought to bear. Particu lar attention is directed to problems in measurement, in estab lishing a significant relationship between test results and results from operational evaluations, and in establishing a connection between the situational and behavioural assumptions employed in information retrieval research and real situations and be haviour.The attempt to develop information retrieval research as an experimental science akin to natural science or engineering, around the notio...

The data-document distinction in information retrieval

Abstract: The computerized retrieval of documents or texts from large databases is an area of increasing concern for those who design or use information management systems. The eXplosive growth of word processing and electronic mail systems is creating document databases of substantial size that will require sophisticated retrieval systems if users are to have satisfactory access. Unfortunately, document retrieval design has been the poor stepchild of the computer revolution. Largescale document retrieval system evaluations are few and often inconclusive, and commercial implementations of any but the most simple logical designs are almost unheard of. Popularized retrieval systems such as LEXIS, DIALOG, ORBIT, STAIRS, and SPIRES are based on logical retrieval designs that date back to the 1950s. The logical design and implementation of document retrieval systems have lagged behind other fields of information technology in large part because the fundamental issues or problems are often unclear. Commercially developed document retrieval systems have frequently treated document retrieval as merely a variant of data retrieval, assuming that advances in data retrieval technology will automatically translate into

OTTER - An information retrieval system for office automation

Abstract: Design choices and most important features of an information retrieval system for office automation are described. The office environment is shown to be quite different from the traditional bibliographic search environment for which well-established information retrieval techniques exist. Therefore, the system offers facilities to model the semantics of portions of text (for example numeric data), to acquire a certain amount of user knowledge, and to support repetitive interactions.All pertinent documents are presented to the user, with the system ordering them in inverse estimated relevance order. It is shown that no single estimator can accurately estimate document relevance, because intended user access patterns are different. Consequently, knowledge on how the user wants to access data is acquired, and the appropriate estimators are used in each case.

Framework for the development of an experimental mixed-mode message system

Abstract: We describe a framework for the development of a mixed-mode message system for an office environment. Messages may be composed of attributes, text, images, and voice. Message retrieval is based on content. We discuss several issues related to the development of such systems. Text retrieval techniques are important for content retrieval in this environment.

Systems for Information Retrieval Over Wideband Networks.

Abstract: A toothpick holder and dispenser that is especially adapted for carrying in the pocket of a user includes an elongated container having an open end and cap member covering the open end. Each member is integrally made of plastic material and has rounded corners to avoid damaging the pocket of the user. The container has a cylindrical main compartment for holding a quantity of toothpicks, and also has one circumferential portion of its exterior wall radially enlarged to provide a discharge compartment. The cap member is rotatable between one position in which it fully covers the discharge compartment and another position in which the discharge compartment is exposed for purpose of withdrawing a toothpick therefrom.

The Utah Text Retrieval Project: a status report

Abstract: The Utah Text Retrieval Project addresses a number of areas in information retrieval, including basic system structure, user interfaces integrating information retrieval with word processing, indexing techniques, and the use of specialized backend processors. Although the work on the development of a high-speed text search engine is generally the best known, probably the most exciting aspect of the project is the message-based architecture, which provides an adaptable testbed for information retrieval techniques. It can support a variety of index and search strategies, while instrumenting their performance so that they can be accurately compared in an identical environment.This paper describes the goals and design decisions for the Utah Retrieval System Architecture (URSA). It discusses the prototype system's features and limitations, and the changes that will be made to produce the production version.

Expert systems in scientific information exchange

Abstract: The paper presents expert systems as a new generation of information storage and retrieval systems which may consider ably improve the processes of scientific and technical informa tion exchange and dissemination. Essential features of the expert systems with databases containing scientific or technical information have been specified. For databases in which a semantic network is used as a knowledge representation scheme, an idea of database organization has been described with some attention paid to the problem of extracting factual information from the texts of scientific and technical publications. The process of information retrieval from the database of a scien tific or technical information expert system has also been briefly described.

The man/machine interface in information retrieval: Providing access to the casual user

Abstract: This study is concerned with the difficulties encountered by casual users wishing to employ Information Storage and Retrieval Systems. A casual user is defined as a professional who has neither time nor desire to pursue in depth the study of the numerous and varied retrieval systems. His needs for on-line search are only occasional, and not limited to any particular system. The paper takes a close look at the state of the art of research concerned with aiding casual users of Information Storage and Retrieval Systems. Current experiments such as LEXIS, CONIT, IIDA, CITE, and CCL are presented and discussed. Comments and proposals are offered, specifically in the areas of training, learning and cost as experienced by the casual user. An extensive bibliography of recent works on the subject follows the text.

Closing the Gap: The Role of the Librarian in Online Searching.

Abstract: Online searching has affected the librarian's traditional role of assisting users in their pursuit of information. With the recent introduction of user-friendly systems designed to promote end-user online searching, a new look at the li brarian's role as a search intermediary is needed. Through a review of the literature, the author discusses several key aspects of the librarian's changing role in the online search process. These include the reference interview, online search evaluation, user training, and information service management.

Terminology-Setting Events and Information Retrieval in Mass Communication Research.

Abstract: ABSTRACT To explore whether there is a recognizable point (a terminology-setting event, e.g., a scholarly conference, a special issue of a journal, or a particularly influential journal article) in the development of a new branch of knowledge that serves to codify a vocabulary for the researchers of that field, electronic and manual searches were conducted for materials published before and after a terminology-setting event in three areas: the agenda setting function of the press, the New World Information Order, and critical viewing skir.s. It was hypo.hesized that the number of items found would increase after a terminto.ogy-setting event. For each research area, the appropriate combination of manual indexes and electronic information systems was used. Results showed that the percentage of items found both electronically and manually went from 8% before the terminology-setting event to 19% after. However, the percentage of items located only electronically actually fell from 55% before the terminology-setting event to 43% after. These results suggest that electronic information retrieva3 systems do not necessarily lead to an increase in the number of identified items, and that terminology-setting events have a muel greater effect on the researcher:: in a field than on the information retrieval systems serving them. Producers of these systems may have trained incapacities to respond to the events an3 thus may systematically exclude new terms, since they are not in the "speech communities" that determine the language of a field. (HOD)

Computerised information retrieval systems for open learning

Abstract: The paper starts with a theoretical consideration of the requirements for a computerised information retrieval system to aid open learning within an educational establishment. The requirements for such a system include consideration of the need to fulfill information retrieval objectives and also educational objectives. These requirements are then considered in the context of the theoretical information retrieval work which has been carried out by Belkin and others and takes into account the representation of the user's anomalous state of knowledge. The paper then considers the practical problems of trying to implement such a system. Attention is focussed on the use of current and developing information technology to fulfill both information retrieval and educational objectives. It is shown that current systems as exemplified by PRESTEL, DIALOG, BROWSE and STAF individually will not fulfill the requirements of this system. However, in combination these types of systems should be quite suitable. Another solution is the use of an expert system. The paper also considers the use of an expert system to "replace" the traditional teacher.