GRINS, AN ON-LINE STRUCTURE FOR THE NEGOTIATION OF INQUIRIES
Abstract
In general, problems are solvable along a continuum of abstraction. There is, at any given point in the development of the solution, a most efficient or optimum strategy. In information retrieval systems the ultimate solution is obtained at a more specific rather than at a more abstract level. The question negotiation process is viewed as an efficient preliminary strategy which enables an information seeker to obtain his information goal with the least amount of overall effort. In order for a problem solution procedure to remain efficient a means for predicting when to change strategies must be provided. In the particular example of question negotiation this prediction is based on the rate at which the definition of the user's need develops. An on- line computer program called GRINS is described which implements the information specialist's role in the negotiating of a user's need. This program communicates with the user in his natural conversational idiom. When the negotiation is judged by GRINS to be as well developed as it is likely to get, a search is made of the available documents. This search produces an ordered list of the sixty-three best documents which come closest to the user's expressed need. The structure of the program is modular so that improvements may be easily made. Some such improvements are suggested.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0660089
Entities
People
- James S. Green
Organizations
- Lehigh University