Collaborative systems: solving the vocabulary problem

Author

Chen, Hsinchun

Author_Institution

Karl Eller Graduate Sch. of Manage., Arizona Univ., Tucson, AZ, USA

Volume

27

Issue

5

fYear

1994

fDate

5/1/1994 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

58

Lastpage

66

Abstract

Vocabulary differences have created difficulties for on-line information retrieval systems and are even more of a problem in computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW), where collaborators with different backgrounds engage in the exchange of ideas and information. We have investigated two questions related to the vocabulary problem in CSCW. First, what are the nature and characteristics of the vocabulary problem in collaboration, and are they different from those observed in information retrieval or in human-computer interactions research? Second, how can computer technologies and information systems be designed to help alleviate the vocabulary problem and foster seamless collaboration? We examine the vocabulary problem in CSCW and suggest a robust algorithmic solution to the problem.<>

Keywords

groupware; human factors; information retrieval; user interfaces; vocabulary; CSCW; computer-supported cooperative work; human-computer interactions; online information retrieval systems; robust algorithmic solution; seamless collaboration; vocabulary problem; Collaboration; Collaborative work; Computer applications; Indexing; Information retrieval; Information science; Information systems; Robustness; Uncertainty; Vocabulary;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Computer

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9162

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/2.291290

Filename

291290