Information Filtering: A New Two-Phase Model Using Stereotypic User Profiling

Computer users often experience the "lost in information space" syndrome. Information filtering suggests a solution based on restricting the amount of information made available to users. This study suggests an advanced model for information filtering which is based on a two-phase filtering process. The user profiling in the model is constructed on the basis of the user's areas of interest and on sociological parameters about him that are known to the system. The system maintains a database of known stereotypes that includes rules on their information retrieval needs and habits. During the filtering process, the system relates the user to one or more stereotypes and operates the appropriate stereotypic rules.