Trends in research on information retrieval — The potential for improvements in conventional Boolean retrieval systems

Abstract

Operational retrieval systems are firmly embedded within the pure Boolean framework, and the theoretical model underlying these systems is based on the implicit assumption that documents and user information needs can be precisely and completely characterized by sets of index terms and Boolean search request formulations, respectively. However, this assumption must be considered grossly inaccurate since uncertainty is intrinsic to the document retrieval process. The inability of the standard Boolean model to deal effectively with the inherent fallibility of retrieval decisions is the main reason for a number of serious deficiencies exhibited by present-day operational retrieval systems. This article reviews recent advances in information retrieval research and examines their practical potential for overcoming these deficiencies. The primary source for this review is the subsequent articles that comprise this special issue of Information Processing & Management, although earlier results published elsewhere have also been considered.