Spring+2006+Q3+Response

Spring 2006 Q 3
//Relevance typically refers to the match between the formal representation of a user’s request (i.e., a query) and the formal representation of a document. (e.g., a document surrogate). Explain how this definition of relevance does/does not address characteristics of the document and the user that can affect relevance judgments for meeting user’s needs. Also, identify the necessary distinction between relevance and pertinence as related to the discussion.//

Wendy's try: Relevant is the having a bearning on the matter. Pertinent is more clearly focused, i.e. more relevant.
 * the formal representation of the document may not fully capture the scope of the document.
 * the query may not be complete/well written. A reference interview could glean more information, making the relevant searches more pertinent to the user.

Laila's definition of Relevence: • A match between a query and information retrieved • A judgment • Can be judged by anyone who is informed of the query and views the retrieved information. • Judgment is dynamic • Documents can be ranked by //likely// relevance • In practice, not easy to measure • Not focused on user needs Definition of Pertinence n Based on information need rather than a match between a query and retrieved documents n Can only be judged by user n May differ from relevance judgment n Transient, varies with many factors n Not often used in evaluation n May be used as a measure of satisfaction n User-based, as opposed to relevance ( Dr. Bilal Notes)

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