READING ASSIGNMENT
Title of the Book : Information Storage and Retrieval
- Chapter 3 Query Structures : Boolean Queries
- Chapter 4 The Matching Process : Boolean-based Matching
Author : Korfhage, Robert R.
Publisher : Wiley Computer Publishing
ABSTRACT
The subsections of the book discussed the Boolean query structure and how it is used in the retrieval system. It also covered how the language of the query may be quite constrained due to syntax rules and the different forms of the query and the document. The discussion further delved into the drawbacks of Boolean queries and retrieval systems.
THREE THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY READING ASSIGNMENT
· Boolean retrieval systems arose when the technology included punched cards and edge-notched cards. I was amused that Lancaster (1972) once wrote that the use of Boolean algebra for querying computer-based retrieval systems may have been a mistake. My personal rationale for this comment is that, the crude manner of the system may not be in congruence with how computers process data how it aims for precision.
· When I was an undergraduate student, I had difficulty using our OPAC because I can only search it using Boolean operators. It turned out that my sentiments are shared with not a few people. Some critiques are as follows:
1. Low significance level
2. Proneness to misstated queries
3. Grouping of terms results to ambiguity
4. Too much user freedom in constructing highly complex queries
5. Difficulty in controlling the size and computation of the retrieved set
6. Boolean retrieval is a mapping process rather than a matching process
· Despite the long list of problems using Boolean retrieval system, the fact remains that it is highly popular and reasonably effective. Ease of use is essential especially if I consider the mindset of most researchers. The simpler the task involved in the input of queries, the more it gets popular attention. But I have to keep in mind that quality comes with much more effort and discrimination.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW THINGS I LEARNED TO MY WORK / TO ME AS A PERSON
Reading about Boolean retrieval systems, no matter how flawed it was presented reminds me that it is still worth the time to learn it and be familiar with how to construct correct queries and how logical thinking can help to obtain needed information. I think that whatever query structures is used, the ability to succeed in the tasks rests on the searcher’s common sense to affirm or negate what is retrieved by the system.
Read. SSE