Patterns and transitions of query reformulation during web searching

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate and identify the patterns of interaction between searchers and search engine during web searching.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined 2,465,145 interactions from 534,507 users of Dogpile.com submitted on May 6, 2005, and compared query reformulation patterns. They investigated the type of query modifications and query modification transitions within sessions.

Findings

The paper identifies three strong query reformulation transition patterns: between specialization and generalization; between video and audio, and between content change and system assistance. In addition, the findings show that web and images content were the most popular media collections.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the more complex aspects of web searching involving query modifications.

Citation

Jansen, B.J., Zhang, M. and Spink, A. (2007), "Patterns and transitions of query reformulation during web searching", International Journal of Web Information Systems, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 328-340. https://doi.org/10.1108/17440080710848116