Toward a theory of user‐based relevance: A call for a new paradigm of inquiry

The concept of relevance has played a major role in the evaluation of information retrieval and its research without much consideration of users. While methodological deficiencies have been noted and criticized, the study of relevance is still suffering from much discussion of alternative methods. This article discusses the need to develop the concept of user‐based relevance for the benefit of users and for the meaningful development of future research in information retrieval. Some of the characteristics of users' criteria of relevance are examined from the literature. The use of a qualitative research approach is suggested as an alternative methodology for studying user‐based relevance along with a discussion of the essential characteristics and the core philosophical assumptions underlying the inquiry paradigm. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.