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Interaction in information retrieval: Selection and effectiveness of search terms

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  • Amanda Spink
  • Tefko Saracevic

Abstract

We investigated the sources and effectiveness of search terms used during mediated on‐line searching under real‐life (as opposed to laboratory) circumstances. A stratified model of information retrieval (IR) interaction served as a framework for the analysis. For the analysis, we used the on‐line transaction logs, videotapes, and transcribed dialogue of the presearch and on‐line interaction between 40 users and 4 professional intermediaries. Each user provided one question and interacted with one of the four intermediaries. Searching was done using DIALOG. Five sources of search terms were identified: (1) the users' written question statements, (2) terms derived from users' domain knowledge during the interaction, (3) terms extracted from retrieved items as relevance feedback, (4) database thesaurus, and (5) terms derived by intermediaries during the interaction. Distribution, retrieval effectiveness, transition sequences, and correlation of search terms from different sources were investigated. Search terms from users' written question statements and term relevance feedback were the most productive sources of terms contributing to the retrieval of items judged relevant by users. Implications of the findings are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Spink & Tefko Saracevic, 1997. "Interaction in information retrieval: Selection and effectiveness of search terms," Journal of the American Society for Information Science, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 48(8), pages 741-761, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jamest:v:48:y:1997:i:8:p:741-761
    DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4571(199708)48:83.0.CO;2-S
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    Cited by:

    1. Jin Ha Lee, 2010. "Analysis of user needs and information features in natural language queries seeking music information," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 61(5), pages 1025-1045, May.
    2. Ho, Chaang-Iuan & Lin, Meng-Hui & Chen, Hui-Mei, 2012. "Web users’ behavioural patterns of tourism information search: From online to offline," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1468-1482.
    3. Barrick, John A. & Spilker, Brian C., 2003. "The relations between knowledge, search strategy, and performance in unaided and aided information search," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 90(1), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Bodoff, David, 2020. "The Power of Focal Points is Strong: Coordination Games with Labels and Payoffs," MPRA Paper 102213, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. David Bodoff & Daphne Raban, 2012. "User models as revealed in web-based research services," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 63(3), pages 584-599, March.

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