Information retrieval (IR) systems have tremendously broaden users' access to information. However, users need to select their needs from trillions of information indexed daily. Due to the "semantic gap" between queries and indexed terms in IR system, whether users can satisfy their needs depends on whether they use the correct terms as…

The 13th iteration of the International Conference on Educational Data Mining (EDM 2020) was originally arranged to take place in Ifrane, Morocco. Due to the SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) epidemic, EDM 2020, as well as most other academic conferences in 2020, had to be changed to a purely online format. To facilitate efficient transmission of…

Examines basic issues of data mining using the theory of rough sets, a recent proposal for generalizing classical set theory. Demonstrates that a generalized rough set model can be used for generating rules from incomplete databases. Discusses the importance of rule extraction from incomplete databases in data mining. (AEF)

Discusses how imprecision and uncertainty are dealt with in the UFO (Uncertainty and Fuzziness in an Object-oriented) database model. Such information is expressed by means of possibility distributions, and modeled by means of the proposed concept of "role objects." The role objects model uncertain, tentative information about objects,…

A Pathfinder functions as a step-by-step instructional tool which introduces a library user to the variety of information sources availabel in research libraries. (Author/NH)

Presents an overview of feedback within the cybernetics and social frameworks. These feedback concepts are then compared with the interactive feedback concept evolving within the framework of information seeking and retrieving, based on their conceptualization of the feedback loop and notion of information. (Author/AEF)

Examines traditional and interactive models that have emerged in information retrieval (IR), and proposes an interactive IR model based on different levels in the interactive processes. Analyzes strengths and weaknesses of the traditional model. Concludes with general remarks on the state of IR interaction research. (Author/AEF)

Presented in this article is a synthesis of the strategy and process used to maximize the reliability of findings about desegregation, and to exhaust all probable resources germane to such research. The paradigm used focuses on a three-phase research strategy encompassing literature review (Phase I); an ERIC search of "Current Index to Journals in…

The probabilistic retrieval model developed in this paper incorporates the relationships of descriptors. A learning model is proposed to figure out the relationships incrementally. Each time retrieval results are available, the method identifies in the relevant documents the descriptors that designate the concepts specified by the query…

This report describes a preliminary attempt to explore and map the research information, products, and strategies with implications for educational policy. Since efforts were directed toward breadth rather than depth coverage, the results were more useful in identifying gaps than in analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the available…

The purpose of this study was to provide some preliminary data about the information-searching behavior of the physician in order to (1) facilitate the development of models describing the search behavior and (2) provide the behavioral data necessary for the development of effective information retrieval systems for use by the medical profession.…

Describes a study that investigated how CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) in the Canadian publishing and telecommunications industries acquire and use information about the business environment. Topics discussed include environmental scanning; perceived environmental uncertainty; information sources; information use in decision making; and a…

Examines central issues in the application of logic to information retrieval (IR). Discusses the logical relationship between document and need; implications of models based on truth, validity, or logical consequentiality, and the relationship between this issue and the issue of partiality versus totality of information; and the relationship…

Describes a model of information retrieval as social interaction, which distinguishes between three types of information interaction goals: (1) task-oriented; (2) topically oriented; and (3) those centered around situation assessment (SA). Results suggest that SA is an important cognitive activity in new information retrieval environments; SA…

Traditional methods of authority present in a print environment are lacking on the Internet, and, even when occasionally present, are of questionable veracity. A formal model and evaluative criteria are suggested and explained to provide a means for accurately ascribing cognitive authority in a networked environment; the model is unique in its…