Stereotypes in information filtering systems

A stereotype represents a collection of attributes common to a cross-section of people. The use of stereotypes is efficient in information systems that need to model their users in order to improve the interaction between users and the system. Expert systems and various tutors have used stereotypes as a helpful means of modeling users. Stereotypes enable systems to make plausible inferences about users on the basis of their stereotypic association. This paper discusses the use of stereotypes as a means of improving the effectiveness of information filtering systems that are based on user profiles. We describe various approaches of using stereotypes in existing systems, and propose a unique way of using stereotypes in a new model for information filtering.