Articulating complex information needs using query templates

In this paper we investigate the effectiveness of topic-independent query templates as a tool for assisting users in articulating their information needs. We hypothesize that topic-independent query templates can help users with complex information needs to express their requirements more accurately and in greater detail. We developed a set of query templates representing general semantic relationships between concepts, such as cause-effect and problem-solution. Each template was written in the form of a fill-in-the-blanks question. A user study was performed comparing the templatebased interface with a single-textbox search interface. Results demonstrate that, while users found the template-based query formulation less easy to use, the queries written using templates performed better than the queries written using the control interface with one query textbox.