Information retrieval interaction and conversation : achievements and limitations

Recent user-centred research has begun to consider the view that information retrieval as opposed to data retrieval is an inherently interactive process. This study examines an approach to information retrieval interaction that draws on a cognitive model of conversation. The cognitive model and its emphasis on knowledge-based action is criticised from the viewpoint of situated action. In light of this critique the achievements and limitations of the cognitive approach are discussed. It is argued that on the evidence presented the achievements of the approach rest on its contribution to a solution to the relevance problem in information retrieval by providing guidelines for the design of an interactive routine that affords seamless access to 'meta-informational' tools aimed at supporting the user in the clarification and (re-)formulation of her/his query; while its limitations centre on its 'resource-constrained' support for the situated nature of human-machine communication. In conclusion, suggestions are proposed concerning how the notion of conversation - as situated action rather than invariant stricture - can be extended into exploring the social context of information retrieval including the learnability and evaluation of information retrieval designs.