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  • × author_ss:"Ellis, D."
  1. Spink, A.; Wilson, T.D.; Ford, N.; Foster, A.; Ellis, D.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 1: theoretical framework and research design (2002) 0.04
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    Abstract
    In this issue we begin with the first of four parts of a five part series of papers by Spink, Wilson, Ford, Foster, and Ellis. Spink, et alia, in the first section of this report set forth the design of a project to test whether existing models of the information search process are appropriate for an environment of mediated successive searching which they believe characterizes much information seeking behavior. Their goal is to develop an integrated model of the process. Data were collected from 198 individuals, 87 in Texas and 111 in Sheffield in the U.K., with individuals with real information needs engaged in interaction with operational information retrieval systems by use of transaction logs, recordings of interactions with intermediaries, pre, and post search interviews, questionnaire responses, relevance judgments of retrieved text, and responses to a test of cognitive styles. Questionnaires were based upon the Kuhlthau model, the Saracevic model, the Ellis model, and incorporated a visual analog scale to avoid a consistency bias.
  2. Spink, A.; Wilson, T.; Ellis, D.; Ford, N.: Modeling users' successive searches in digital environments : a National Science Foundation/British Library funded study (1998) 0.02
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    Abstract
    As digital libraries become a major source of information for many people, we need to know more about how people seek and retrieve information in digital environments. Quite commonly, users with a problem-at-hand and associated question-in-mind repeatedly search a literature for answers, and seek information in stages over extended periods from a variety of digital information resources. The process of repeatedly searching over time in relation to a specific, but possibly an evolving information problem (including changes or shifts in a variety of variables), is called the successive search phenomenon. The study outlined in this paper is currently investigating this new and little explored line of inquiry for information retrieval, Web searching, and digital libraries. The purpose of the research project is to investigate the nature, manifestations, and behavior of successive searching by users in digital environments, and to derive criteria for use in the design of information retrieval interfaces and systems supporting successive searching behavior. This study includes two related projects. The first project is based in the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas and is funded by a National Science Foundation POWRE Grant <http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/show?award=9753277>. The second project is based at the Department of Information Studies at the University of Sheffield (UK) and is funded by a grant from the British Library <http://www.shef. ac.uk/~is/research/imrg/uncerty.html> Research and Innovation Center. The broad objectives of each project are to examine the nature and extent of successive search episodes in digital environments by real users over time. The specific aim of the current project is twofold: * To characterize progressive changes and shifts that occur in: user situational context; user information problem; uncertainty reduction; user cognitive styles; cognitive and affective states of the user, and consequently in their queries; and * To characterize related changes over time in the type and use of information resources and search strategies particularly related to given capabilities of IR systems, and IR search engines, and examine changes in users' relevance judgments and criteria, and characterize their differences. The study is an observational, longitudinal data collection in the U.S. and U.K. Three questionnaires are used to collect data: reference, client post search and searcher post search questionnaires. Each successive search episode with a search intermediary for textual materials on the DIALOG Information Service is audiotaped and search transaction logs are recorded. Quantitative analysis includes statistical analysis using Likert scale data from the questionnaires and log-linear analysis of sequential data. Qualitative methods include: content analysis, structuring taxonomies; and diagrams to describe shifts and transitions within and between each search episode. Outcomes of the study are the development of appropriate model(s) for IR interactions in successive search episodes and the derivation of a set of design criteria for interfaces and systems supporting successive searching.
  3. Ellis, D.: Progress and problems in information retrieval (1996) 0.01
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    Abstract
    An introduction to the principal generic approaches to information retrieval research with their associated concepts, models and systems, this text is designed to keep the information professional up to date with the major themes and developments that have preoccupied researchers in recent month in relation to textual and documentary retrieval systems.
    Date
    26. 7.2002 20:22:46
  4. Ellis, D.: Hypertext; origins and use (1991) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Presents a brief introduction to the concept of hypertext illustrated with examples from experimental and operational systems. The origins of the hypertext concept are described and different generic types of hypertext systems outlined. The potential and problems of hypertext are discussed with particular reference to information retrieval
  5. Ellis, D.: Is the manual creation of hypertext worth the effort? (1995) 0.00
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    Abstract
    Offers a definition of hypertext. Describes the range of uses to which hypertext systems may be put with particular attention to library and information service organisations. Discusses the evaluation of hypertext systems and experimental methodology
  6. Ellis, D.; Furner-Hines, J.; Willett, P.: Measuring the consistency of assignment of hypertext links in full-text documents (1994) 0.00
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    Abstract
    Studies of document retrieval systems have suggested that the degree of consistency in the terms assigned to documents by indexers is positively associated with retrieval effectiveness. The study investigated the consistency of assignment of links in separate hypertext versions of the same full text database assuming that a measure of agreement may be related to the subsequent utility of the resulting hypertext document. Describes the calculations involved in measuring the degree of similarity between pairs of structured objetcs of a certain type (Those that may be represented in graph theoretic form). Initial results show little similarity between the sets of links identified by different people and this finding is comparable with those of studies of inter indexer consistency, where it has been found that there is generally only alow level of agreement between the sets of indexing terms assigned to a document of different indexers
  7. Ellis, D.; Furner-Hines, J.; Willett, P.: ¬The creation of hypertext links in full-text documents (1994) 0.00
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    Abstract
    An important stage in the process of retrieval of objects from a hypertext database is the creation of a set of internodal links that are intended to represent the relationships existing between objetcs; an operation that is usually undertaken manually such as the allocation of subject index terms to documents. Reports results of a study in which several different sets of hypertext links were inserted, each by a different person, between the paragraphs of each of a number of full text documents. The similarity between the members of each pair of link sets was then evaluated. Results indicated that little similarity existed among the link sets, a finding comparable with those of studies of inter indexer consistency, which suggests that there is generally only a low level of agreemenet between the sets of index terms assigned to a document by indexers. Concludes with that part of the study designed to test the validity of making these kinds of assumptions in the context of hypertext link sets
  8. Ellis, D.; Furner-Hines, J.; Willett, P.: On the creation of hypertext links in full-text documents : measurement of inter-linker consistency (1994) 0.00
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    Abstract
    In important stage in the process of retrieval of objects from a hypertext database is the creation of a set of inter-nodal links that are intended to represent the relationships existing between objects; this operation is often undertaken manually, just as index terms are often manually assigned to documents in a conventional retrieval system. Studies of conventional systems have suggested that a degree of consistency in the terms assigned to documents by indexers is positively associated with retrieval effectiveness. It is thus of interest to investigate the consistency of assignment of links in separate hypertext versions of the same full-text document, since a measure of agreement may be related to the subsequent utility of the resulting hypertext databases. The calculation of values indicating the degree of similarity between objects is a technique that has been widely used in the fields of textual and chemical information retrieval; in this paper we describe the application of arithmetic coefficients and topological indices to the measurement of the degree of similarity between the sets of inter-nodal links in hypertext databases. We publish the results of a study in which several different of links are inserted, by different people, between the paragraphs of each of a number of full-text documents. Our results show little similary between the sets of links identified by different people; this finding is comparable with those of studies of inter-indexer consistency, where it has been found that there is generally only a low level of agreement between the sets of idenx terms assigned to a document by different indexers
  9. Ellis, D.; Furner-Hines, J.; Willett, P.: Measuring the degree of similarity between objects in text retrieval systems (1993) 0.00
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    Abstract
    Describes the use of a variety of similarity coefficients in the measurement of the degree of similarity between objects that contain textual information, such as documents, paragraphs, index terms or queries. The work is intended as a preliminary to future investigation of the calculations involved in measuring the degree of similarity between structured objects that may be represented by graph theoretic forms. Descusses the role of similarity coefficients in text retrieval in terms of: document and query similarity; document and document similarity; cocitation analysis; term and term similarity; and the similarity between sets of judgements, such as relevance judgements. Describes several methods for expressing the formulae used to define similarity coefficients and compares their attributes. Concludes with details the characteristics of similarity coefficients; equivalence and monotonicity; consideration of negative matches; geometric analyses; and the meaning of correlation coefficients
  10. Ellis, D.; Vasconcelos, A.: ¬The relevance of facet analysis for World Wide Web subject organization and searching (2000) 0.00
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    Abstract
    Different forms of indexing and search facilities available on the Web are described. Use of facet analysis to structure hypertext concept structures is outlined in relation to work on (1) development of hypertext knowledge bases for designers of learning materials and (2) construction of knowledge based hypertext interfaces. The problem of lack of closeness between page designers and potential users is examined. Facet analysis is suggested as a way of alleviating some difficulties associated with this problem of designing for the unknown user.
  11. Wilson, T.D.; Ford, N.; Ellis, D.; Foster, A.; Spink, A.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 2: uncertainty and Its correlates (2002) 0.00
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    Abstract
    In "Part 2. Uncertainty and Its Correlates,'' where Wilson is the primary author, after a review of uncertainty as a concept in information seeking and decision research, it is hypothesized that if the Kuhlthau problem solving stage model is appropriate the searchers will recognize the stage in which they currently are operating. Secondly to test Wilson's contention that operationalized uncertainty would be useful in characterizing users, it is hypothesized that uncertainty will decrease as the searcher proceeds through problem stages and after the completion of the search. A review of pre and post search interviews reveals that uncertainty can be operationalized, and that academic researchers have no difficulty with a stage model of the information seeking process. Uncertainty is unrelated to sex, age, or discipline, but is related to problem stage and domain knowledge. Both concepts appear robust.
  12. Ellis, D.; Wilson, T.D.; Ford, N.; Foster, A.; Lam, H.M.; Burton, R.; Spink, A.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 5: user-intermediary interaction (2002) 0.00
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    Abstract
    Ellis, et alia, now provide part five of their study on mediated searching which is treated separately here because of the presence of additional authors. The data source remains cases collected from 198 individuals, 87 in Texas and 111 in Sheffield in the U.K. but the focus here is on seeker/intermediary interaction utilizing the Saracevic triadic IR model, and the method is the analysis of discourse. While the pre-search interview stressed problem definition, interaction during the search in terms of relevance and magnitude continued to develop the problem statement. The user and intermediary focused on search tactics, review and relevance, while the intermediary interaction with the system was comprised of terminology and answers. The interaction clearly affected the search process. Users and intermediaries considered the process effective and users felt the intermediary increased their overall satisfaction.
  13. Ford, N.; Wilson, T.D.; Foster, A.; Ellis, D.; Spink, A.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 4: cognitive styles in information seeking (2002) 0.00
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    Abstract
    In "Part 4. Cognitive Styles in Information Seeking,'' where Ford is the primary author, the results of the application of the Riding's Cognitive Styles Analysis and the Pask's holist/serialist portion of the Ford's Study Process Questionnaire to the 111 U.K. participants. were correlated using Spearman's coefficient with reports of focused thinking, degree of change in the intermediary's perception of the problem and personal knowledge, problem stage, degree of differentiating activity, change in problem perception, engagement in exploring activity, changes in questioning, valuing of serendipitous information, and other variables. The results would indicate that field independent individuals report clearer more focused thinking, see themselves in an earlier problem stage, and report higher levels of change in perception of the problem. Holists value serendipity and report engagement in Kuhlthau's exploring stage. They are seen by intermediaries as exhibiting fewer changes in questioning behavior. A fifth section will appear in a later issue.
  14. Ellis, D.; Furner, J.; Willett, P.: On the creation of hypertext links in full-text documents : measurement of retrieval effectiveness (1996) 0.00
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    Abstract
    An important stage in the process or retrieval of objects from a hypertext database is the creation of a set of internodal links that are intended to represent the relationships existing between objects; this operation is often undertaken manually, just as index terms are often manually assigned to documents in a conventional retrieval system. In an earlier article (1994), the results were published of a study in which several different sets of links were inserted, each by a different person, between the paragraphs of each of a number of full-text documents. These results showed little similarity between the link-sets, a finding that was comparable with those of studies of inter-indexer consistency, which suggest that there is generally only a low level of agreement between the sets of index terms assigned to a document by different indexers. In this article, a description is provided of an investigation into the nature of the relationship existing between (i) the levels of inter-linker consistency obtaining among the group of hypertext databases used in our earlier experiments, and (ii) the levels of effectiveness of a number of searches carried out in those databases. An account is given of the implementation of the searches and of the methods used in the calculation of numerical values expressing their effectiveness. Analysis of the results of a comparison between recorded levels of consistency and those of effectiveness does not allow us to draw conclusions about the consistency - effectiveness relationship that are equivalent to those drawn in comparable studies of inter-indexer consistency
  15. Spink, A.; Wilson, T.D.; Ford, N.; Foster, A.; Ellis, D.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 3: successive searching (2002) 0.00
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    Abstract
    In "Part 3. Successive Searching.'' where Spink is the primary author, after a review of the work on successive searching, a portion of the Texas generated data is reviewed for insights on how frequently successive searching occurred, the motivation for its occurrence, and any distinctive characteristics of the successive search pattern. Of 18 mediated searches, half requested a second search and a quarter a third search. All but one seeker reported a need to refine and enhance the previous results. Second searches while characterized as refinements included a significantly higher number of items retrieved and more search cycles. Third searches had the most cycles but less retrieved items than the second. Number of terms utilized did not change significantly and overlap was limited to about one in five terms between first and second searches. No overlap occurred between the second and third searches. Problem solving stage shifts did occur with 2 moving to a later stage after the first search, 5 remaining in the same stage and one reverting to a previous stage. Precision did not increase over successive searches, but partial relevant judgments decreased between the second and third search.
  16. Foster, A.E.; Ellis, D.: Serendipity and its study (2014) 0.00
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    Abstract
    Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of serendipity and approaches to its study particularly in relation to information studies. Design/methodology/approach - The origins of the term serendipity are described and its elaboration as an exploratory and explanatory concept in science and the social sciences are outlined. The distinction between serendipity and serendipity pattern is explained and theoretical and empirical studies of both serendipity and the serendipity patterns are explored. The relationship between information encountering is described. Empirical studies of serendipity using Citation Classics and other research approaches in information studies are described. Findings - The discrepancy between occurrences of serendipity in studies using Citation Classics and reported serendipity in philosophy of science, research anecdotes, information encountering and information seeking by inter-disciplinary researchers is highlighted. A comparison between a process model of serendipity and serendipity as an emergent behavioural characteristic are indicates directions for future research. Originality/value - The paper provides and original synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature on serendipity with particular reference to work in information studies and an indication of the methodological difficulties involved in its study.