Boolean queries optimization by genetic algorithms

Abstract

Information retrieval systems depend on Boolean queries. Proposed evolution of Boolean queries should increase the performance of the information retrieval system. Information retrieval systems quality are measured in terms of two different criteria, precision and recall. Evolutionary techniques are widely applied for optimization tasks in different areas including the area of information retrieval systems. In information retrieval applications both criteria have been combined in a single scalar fitness function by means of a weighting scheme 'harmonic mean'. Usage of genetic algorithms in the Information retrieval, especially in optimizing a Boolean query, is presented in this paper. Influence of both criteria, precision and recall, on quality improvement are discussed as well.