A cost model for evaluating information retrieval systems
Michael D. Cooper · Journal of the American Society for Information Science · 1972
Abstract This paper develops a mathematical model for use in studying how to minimize the cost of operating a mechanized retrieval system. Through the use of cost analysis, the model provides a method for comparative evaluation between information retrieval systems. The cost model divides the costs of a retrieval system into two components: system costs and user costs. In addition, it suggests that a trade off exists between the performance level of the system and the combination of user and system time that is expended in working with the system. With this approach it is possible to determine the allocation of user and system. This minimizes the total cost of operating the system. This allocation is done for a given performance level and for a given cost per unit of user and system time.