Where a Little Change Makes a Big Difference

A Preliminary Exploration of Children’s Queries

Conference paper (2023)

Authors

M.S. Pera Web Information Systems - EEMCS
Emiliana Murgia University of Milan
Monica Landoni University of Lugano
Theo Huibers University of Twente
Mohammad Aliannejadi Universiteit van Amsterdam
Research Group
Web Information Systems (EEMCS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2023 M.S. Pera, Emiliana Murgia, Monica Landoni, Theo Huibers, Mohammad Aliannejadi
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28238-6_43
Children Search Queries Query processing
More Info
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Department

Software Technology

Research Group

Web Information Systems

Abstract

This paper contributes to the discussion initiated in a recent SIGIR paper describing a gap in the information retrieval (IR) literature on query understanding–where they come from and whether they serve their purpose. Particularly the connection between query variability and search engines regarding consistent and equitable access to all users. We focus on a user group typically underserved: children. Using preliminary experiments (based on logs collected in the classroom context) and arguments grounded in children IR literature, we emphasize the importance of dedicating research efforts to interpreting queries formulated by children and the information needs they elicit. We also outline open problems and possible research directions to advance knowledge in this area, not just for children but also for other often-overlooked user groups and contexts.