| An interactive system for finding complementary literatures: A stimulus to scientific discovery |
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| Author(s): Swanson DR, Smalheiser NR |
| Source: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Volume: 91 Issue: 2 Pages: 183-203 Published: APR 1997 |
| Times Cited: 138 References: 41 |
| Abstract: An unintended consequence of specialization in science is poor communication across specialties. Information developed in one area of research may be of value in another without anyone becoming aware of the fact. We describe and evaluate interactive software and database search strategies that facilitate the discovery of previously unknown cross specialty information of scientific interest. The user begins by searching MEDLINE for article titles that identify a problem or topic of interest. From downloaded titles the software constructs input for additional database searches and produces a series of heuristic aids that help the user select a second set of articles complementary to the first set and from a different area of research. The two sets are complementary if together they can reveal new useful information that cannot be inferred from either set alone. The software output further helps the user identify the new information and derive from it a novel testable hypothesis. We report several successful tests and applications of the system. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Swanson, DR (reprint author), UNIV CHICAGO, DEPT HUMANITIES, 1010 E 59TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637 USA |
Addresses:
1. UNIV CHICAGO, DEPT PEDIAT, CHICAGO, IL 60637 USA |
| Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS |
| Subject Category: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence |
| IDS Number: WY431 |
| ISSN: 0004-3702 |