Domain-independent search expertise: Gaining knowledge in query formulation through guided practice.

Although modern search systems require minimal skill for meeting simple information needs, most systems provide weak support for gaining advanced skill; hence, the goal of designing systems that guide searchers in developing expertise. Essential to developing such systems are a description of expert search behavior and an understanding of how it may be acquired. The present study contributes a detailed analysis of the query behavior of 10 students as they completed assigned exercises during a semester-long course on expert search. Detailed query logs were coded for three dimensions of query expression: the information structure searched, the type of query term used, and intent of the query with respect to specificity. Patterns of query formulation were found to evidence a progression of instruction, suggesting that the students gained knowledge of fundamental system-independent constructs that underlie expert search, and that domain-independent search expertise may be defined as the ability to use these constructs. Implications for system design are addressed.