Query intent in IR refers to the underlying goal or purpose behind a user’s search query. It focuses on understanding what the user truly wants to find, beyond just the words they typed. Query intent can be categorized into different types: informational (seeking facts), navigational (looking for a specific website or resource), and transactional (intending to make a purchase or complete a task).
IR systems analyze user behavior, previous interactions, and contextual clues to predict query intent. By doing so, they can provide more accurate and relevant search results that align with the user’s goal.
Advanced IR systems use machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to better interpret and predict query intent, ensuring a more effective retrieval process.