Real life, real users, and real needs: a study and analysis of user queries on the web

We analyzed transaction logs containing 51,473 queries posed by 18,113 users of Excite, a major Internet search service. We provide data on: (i) sessions - changes in queries during a session, number of pages viewed, and use of relevance feedback, (ii) queries - the number of search terms, and the use of logic and modifiers, and (iii) terms - their rank/frequency distribution and the most highly used search terms. We then shift the focus of analysis from the query to the user to gain insight to the characteristic of the Web user. With these characteristics as a basis, we then conducted a failure analysis, identifying trends among user mistakes. We conclude with a summary of findings and a discussion of the implications of these finding.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2000
• Where: IPM
• Authors: Bernard J. Jansen, Amanda Spink, Tefko Saracevic
• Keywords: IPM 2000, Major Internet Search, Relevance Feedback, Search Terms