User - thesaurus interaction in a web-based database: An evaluation of users' term selection behaviour

A.A. Shiri, C.W. Revie

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

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Abstract

A major challenge faced by users during the information search and retrieval process is the selection of search terms for query formulation and expansion. Thesauri are recognised as one source of search terms which can assist users in query construction and expansion. As the number of electronic thesauri attached to information retrieval systems has grown, a range of interface facilities and features have been developed to aid users in formulating their queries. The pilot study reported here aimed to explore and evaluate how a thesaurus-enhanced search interface assisted end-users in selecting search terms. Specifically, it focused on the evaluation of users' attitudes toward both the thesaurus and its interface as tools for facilitating search term selection for query expansion. Thesaurus based searching and browsing behaviours adopted by users while interacting with a thesaurus-enhanced search interface were also examined.
Original languageEnglish
Pages23-32
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 21 Sept 2001
EventProceedings of the Infotech Oulu International Workshop on Information Retrieval - Oulu, Finland
Duration: 19 Sept 200121 Sept 2001

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the Infotech Oulu International Workshop on Information Retrieval
CityOulu, Finland
Period19/09/0121/09/01

Keywords

  • information retrieval
  • user behaviour
  • thesaurus

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