Examining the effectiveness of real-time query expansion

Interactive query expansion (IQE) (c.f. Efthimiadis, 1996) is a potentially useful technique to help searchers formulate improved query statements, and ultimately retrieve better search results. However, IQE is seldom used in operational settings. Two possible explanations for this are that IQE is generally not integrated into searchers’ established information-seeking behaviors (e.g., examining lists of documents), and it may not be offered at a time in the search when it is needed most (i.e., during the initial query formulation). These challenges can be addressed by coupling IQE more closely with familiar search activities, rather than as a separate functionality that searchers must learn. In this article we introduce and evaluate a variant of IQE known as RealTime Query Expansion (RTQE). As a searcher enters their query in a text box at the interface RTQE provides a list of suggested additional query terms, in effect offering query expansion options while the query is formulated...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: IPM
• Authors: Ryen W. White, Gary Marchionini
• Keywords: Initial Query Formulation, Interactive Query Expansion, IPM 2007, Query Expansion