Reasoning about functionality of core matching functions for information retrieval

Jian Ping Li*, Yong Qin Yang, Dawei Song, Hong Bo Gu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Traditional benchmarking methods for information retrieval (IR) are based on experimental performance evaluation[1-14]. Although the metrics precision and recall can measure the effectiveness of a system, it cannot assess the underlying model. Recently, a theory of "aboutness" has been used for functional benchmarking of IR. Latest research shows the functionality of an IR model is largely determined by its retrieval mechanism, i.e., the matching function. In particular, containment and overlapping (either with or without a threshold value) are the core IR matching functions. The objective of this paper is to model the containment and overlapping matching functions using an aboutness-based framework and analyze them from an abstract and theoretical viewpoint. Separate aboutness relations for containment, pure-overlapping (i.e., without threshold) and threshold-overlapping matching functions are defined, and the sets of properties supported by them are derived and analyzed respectively. These three relations can be used to determine and explain the functionality of an IR system and how the functionality affects the performance of the system. Moreover, they can provide the design guidelines for new IR systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Computer Congress 2004 on Wavelet Analysis and its Applications, and Active Media Technology
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd
Pages57-68
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)981238961X, 9789812389619
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes
EventProceedings of the International Computer Congress 2004 on Wavelet Analysis and its Applications, and Active Media Technology - Chongqing, China
Duration: 28 May 200430 May 2004

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Computer Congress 2004 on Wavelet Analysis and its Applications, and Active Media Technology
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the International Computer Congress 2004 on Wavelet Analysis and its Applications, and Active Media Technology
Country/TerritoryChina
CityChongqing
Period28/05/0430/05/04

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reasoning about functionality of core matching functions for information retrieval'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this