New Directions in Cognitive Information Retrieval

New Directions in Cognitive Information Retrieval presents an exciting new direction for research into cognitive oriented information retrieval (IR) research, a direction based on an analysis of the user’s problem situation and cognitive behavior when using the IR system. This contrasts with the current dominant IR research paradigm which concentrates on improving IR system matching performance.

The chapters describe the leading edge concepts and models of cognitive IR that explore the nexus between human cognition, information and the social conditions that drive humans to seek information using IR systems. Chapter topics include: Polyrepresentation, cognitive overlap and the boomerang effect, Multitasking while conducting the search, Knowledge Diagram Visualizations of the topic space to facilitate user assimilation of information, Task, relevance, selection state, knowledge need and knowledge behavior, search training built into the search, children’s collaboration for school projects, and other cognitive perspectives on IR concepts and issues.

From the reviews:

"The book examines three aspects of the cognitive and interactive aspects of information retrieval: concepts, processes and techniques. ... The editors have written an introductory chapter outlining the themes of the book and a concluding summary which ties together the individual paper and points the way for future research. ... To librarians in need of greater understanding of the knowledge needs and knowledge behaviour of our clients ... this book could well supply some insights." (The Australian Library Journal, February, 2007)