Human Factors and Behavioral Science: Statistical Semantics: Analysis of the Potential Performance of Key-Word Information Systems

C o m p u t e r - b a s e d i n f o r m a t i o n m a n a g e m e n t s y s t e m s c a n store, m a nipulate, and transmit enormous quantities of information. T h e y can allow a l m o s t u n l i m i t e d o r g a n i z a t i o n , m u l t i p l e i n d e x i n g a n d cross referencing, and are capable of performing rapid and complex search o p e r a t i o n s . T h u s , t h e y c a n provide f a r m o r e p o w e r f u l tools for knowl- * Bell Laboratories. ^Copyright 1983, American Telephone, & Telegraph Company. Photo reproduction for noncommercial use is permitted without payment of royalty provided that each reproduction is done without alteration and that the Journal reference and copyright notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract, but no other portions, of this paper may be copied or distributed royalty free by computer-based and other information-service systems without further permission. Permission to reproduce or republish any other portion of this paper must be obtained from the Editor.