We’re excited to share the news that our InfoSeekers, Jiqun Liu and Chirag Shah, have published a new book! The title of the book is Interactive IR User Study Design, Evaluation, and Reporting.

Abstract

Since user study design has been widely applied in search interactions and information retrieval (IR) systems evaluation studies, a deep reflection and meta-evaluation of interactive IR (IIR) user studies is critical for sharpening the instruments of IIR research and improving the reliability and validity of the conclusions drawn from IIR user studies. To this end, we developed a faceted framework for supporting user study design, reporting, and evaluation based on a systematic review of the state-of-the-art IIR research papers recently published in several top IR venues (n=462). Within the framework, we identify three major types of research focuses, extract and summarize facet values from specific cases, and highlight the under-reported user study components which may significantly affect the results of research. Then, we employ the faceted framework in evaluating a series of IIR user studies against their respective research questions and explain the roles and impacts of the underlying connections and “collaborations” among different facet values. Through bridging diverse combinations of facet values with the study design decisions made for addressing research problems, the faceted framework can shed light on IIR user study design, reporting, and evaluation practices and help students and young researchers design and assess their own studies.

Table of Contents: Preface / Acknowledgments / Introduction / Interactive Information Retrieval / Methodology: Paper Selection and Coding Scheme / Faceted Framework of IIR User Studies / Evaluating IIR User Studies of Different Types / Implications and Limitations of the Faceted Framework / Conclusion and Future Directions / Appendix / Bibliography / Authors’ Biographies

Jiqun Liu shared his thoughts on the release of his new book: “Synthesis Lectures on Information Concepts, Retrieval, and Services includes a variety of interesting topics that are highly relevant to my research. I am thrilled and honored to have my own book published as part of the Synthesis Lectures book series.”

Interactive IR User Study Design, Evaluation, and Reporting is available via the following link: https://www.morganclaypool.com/doi/pdf/10.2200/S00923ED1V01Y201905ICR067