IR Research: Systems, Interaction, Evaluation and Theories

Abstract

The ultimate goal of information retrieval (IR) research is to create ways to support humans to better access information in order to better carry out their (work) tasks. Because of this, IR research has a primarily technological interest in knowledge creation - how to find information (better)? IR research therefore has a constructive aspect (to create novel systems) and an evaluative aspect (are they any good?). Evaluation is sometimes referred to as a hallmark and distinctive feature of IR research. No claim on IR system performance is granted any merit unless proven through evaluation. Technological innovation alone is not sufficient. In fact, much research in IR deals with IR evaluation and its methodology.