Model for simulating result document browsing in focused retrieval.

A search process is a ternary relationship between the user, the retrieval system and the user interface. A focused retrieval system aims at retrieving the most relevant parts within a relevant document. In focused retrieval the user interface may show not only the relevant documents but also identify the most relevant parts within a document. In document browsing a user may apply several strategies, related to the order of browsing, tolerance to irrelevance and the amount of required information. A model for result document browsing in focused retrieval is introduced. Further, its applicability is illustrated through a simulated experiment.