Evaluation Problems in Interactive Information Retrieval

Abstract

Interactive retrieval procedures are normally based on rapidly accessible files. Special storage organizations and file search techniques are used, and the system user is made to fulfill an important role during the retrieval process. In the present study, the interactive retrieval environment is briefly examined. The special problems which arise in the evaluation of interactive retrieval are then discussed, and methods are described for evaluating partial file searches and user feedback techniques. Evaluation resultss obtained with the SMART system are presented