Search Task

A Search Task is a retrieval task that requires the identification of an item in a search space given a search query.

• Context:
  • Input:
    • a Search Space.
    • a Search Query.
    • optional: a Relevance Function.
  • output: a set of Matching Items.
  • It can be solved by a Search System (that implements a Search algorithm).
  • It can range from being a Domain-Specific Search Task (such as an entity search) to being a General Search Task.
  • It can range from being an Physical Search Task to being an Information Search Task.
  • It can range from being an Exact Search Task to being an Approximate Search Task.
  • It can involve various methodologies or strategies depending on the complexity and nature of the task.
  • It can range from straightforward, direct searches to complex, multi-faceted searches requiring advanced skills or technologies.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • a Similarity Search Task.
  • A Physical Search Task, Such As:
    • A Treasure Hunt, Where Participants Use Clues to Locate Hidden Items.
    • A Search and Rescue Operation, Involving the Locating of Missing Persons in a Wilderness Area.
    • An Archaeological Excavation Task, Aimed at Uncovering Historical Artifacts from a Specific Site.
    • ...
  • An Information Search Task, Such As:
    • A Video Search Task, Like Finding a Specific Documentary in a Streaming Service's Library.
    • An Audio Search Task, Like Using a Music Recognition App to Identify a Song Playing in a Café.
    • A Text Search Task, Such As Locating Relevant Articles on Climate Change in a Digital Library.
    • A Database Query Task, Like Retrieving Customer Records Based on Specific Criteria in a Business Database.
    • ...
  • An Abstract Concept Search Task, Such As:
    • Identifying Instances of Metaphor Usage in Literary Works for a Literary Analysis Class.
    • Searching for Patterns of Gene Expression in Biological Research Databases for a Genetics Study.
    • Conducting a Philosophical Inquiry, Such as Exploring Various Interpretations of the Concept of 'Freedom' in Classical Texts.
  • …
• Counter-Example(s)
  • a Discovery Task.
  • a Finding Task.
  • a Model Training Task.
• See: Discovery Task, Finding Task.

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References

2023

• (ChatGPT, 2023)
  • A Search Task is an intricate activity that encompasses a range of processes and variations, shaped by the nature of the search and the context in which it occurs. It involves identifying a specific target or objective, which can range from concrete, physical items to abstract, information-based queries. The formulation of the search strategy is critical and often influenced by the searcher's understanding of the context and their ability to utilize appropriate search methods. The scope of Search Tasks is remarkably diverse, encompassing straightforward, direct searches as well as complex, multi-faceted searches requiring advanced skills or technologies. For example, a rescue team might engage in a Search Task that involves physical search and rescue operations, while a user looking for specific information in a database engages in a more targeted, data-driven search.
  • The nature of a Search Task can vary significantly in terms of specificity, complexity, and required resources. Some searches are straightforward, aiming to find a specific item or piece of information quickly, while others are more complex, involving multiple stages, advanced methodologies, or technology-assisted searches. This variability extends to the context of the search, with some focusing on physical environments, others on digital or informational contexts, and yet others on more abstract or conceptual searches. Moreover, the interaction with the search environment and the utilization of available tools or strategies is a defining characteristic of Search Tasks, involving not just the identification of the target but also the effective navigation of the search context.
  • While Search Tasks are distinct from other activities, they share certain similarities with tasks like Discovery Task and Finding Task. However, unlike Discovery Tasks, which often involve exploratory elements leading to unforeseen discoveries, Search Tasks are typically more directed, with a specific objective or target in mind from the outset. Similarly, Finding Tasks are related but are usually narrower in scope, focusing on locating a specific item or piece of information, in contrast to the broader and often more complex nature of Search Tasks. The effectiveness of a Search Task is influenced by numerous factors, including the nature of the search objective, the complexity of the search context, and the searcher's ability to utilize appropriate strategies and tools. In this dynamic interplay, the searcher's knowledge, the nature of the search context, and the availability of resources all contribute to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each Search Task.

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