A critical analysis of vector space model for information retrieval

Abstract

Notations and definitions necessary to identify the concepts and relationships that are important in modelling information retrieval objects and processes in the context of vector spaces are presented. Earlier work on the use of vector model is evaluated in terms of the concepts introduced and certain problems and inconsistencies are identified. More importantly, this investigation should lead to a clear understanding of the issues and problems in using the vector space model in information retrieval. © 1986 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.