Objective and Subjective Relevance in Information Systems an Analysis of Relevance in Information Retrieval

Ghobadpour, Vafa; Fadaie, Golamreza; Sabetpour, Afsoon

doi:10.35050/JIPM010.2014.009

Objective and Subjective Relevance in Information Systems an Analysis of Relevance in Information Retrieval

Authors

Vafa Ghobadpour

Golamreza Fadaie

Afsoon Sabetpour

10.35050/JIPM010.2014.009

Abstract

Objective: The scope of debates between philosophers on objectivism and subjectivism relates to relevance which is fundamental issue of designing and evaluation of information systems. Our understanding of the topic relevance would not be complete without understanding these basic debates. The article reviewing both viewpoints tries to sum up them somehow acceptable and useful to information systems and with critical approach analyses subjective paradigm dominant in relevance literature. Methodology: The present study is based on the descriptive- analysis methodology using the library sources. Findings: Necessity of more moderate and realistic viewpoints which recognize the role of experts and systems in addition to users in the literature of relevance. Also introducing the “Facet Relevance”, it has been proposed objectivism and subjectivism be recognized not only to design information systems but also to defining relevance. The effects of technology on the approaches of information system design free from theoretical viewpoints investigated too.

Keywords

Facet Relevance

Objective and Subjective Relevance

Relevance

Information storage and retrieval

information systems