Patterns In Query Reformulation In Online Searching Behavior

The present study investigates the characteristics of online searching behavior with emphasis on query reformulation. The topic has been highly studied starting with Bates (1979), Jansen and Spink (1999), Rieh and Xie (2001), Vakkari (2003), Spink, Zhang and Jansen (2007). Earlier studies focused on analyzing patterns with focus on form and topic changes (generalization, specialization, parallel movement etc.), some of the latest studies began focusing on semantic aspects in defining the types of reformulations.