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SIGIR ’94 pp 242–247Cite as

The Formalism of Probability Theory in IR: A Foundation or an Encumbrance?

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Abstract

Probabilistic theories of retrieval bring to bear on the information search problem a high degree of theoretical coherence and deductive power. In principle, this power ought to be an invaluable asset. In practice, it has turned out to be a mixed blessing. The question considered here is whether the trappings of the probabilistic formalism strengthen or encumber IR research on balance.

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© 1994 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Cooper, W.S. (1994). The Formalism of Probability Theory in IR: A Foundation or an Encumbrance?. In: Croft, B.W., van Rijsbergen, C.J. (eds) SIGIR ’94. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2099-5_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2099-5_25

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-19889-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2099-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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