Exploring knowledge graphs for exploratory search

Abstract

In order to provide the user with more support in performing exploratory activities, recent research has been focused on identifying the types of tasks users perform, and understanding the nature of these tasks. However, most of the proposed models focus on either traditional document retrieval or the use of linked data for finding relevant information. We believe neither of these two types of information resources can offer sufficient support for complex search tasks on their own. We propose that a hybrid approach that combines the coherent content of text with the organized structure of graphs should be taken to better support information finding and sense making. Currently, there is limited insight into the types of information seeking activities performed when a knowledge graph is combined with document retrieval to support exploratory search. This paper describes a general framework that provides the first step towards examining users' exploratory search behaviour when interacting with knowledge graphs and their corresponding documents. We conducted a user study that suggests searchers perform different information seeking activities for a complex search task compared with a simple search task. These findings provide insights that can be used to inform the design of a new search framework, which enables more effective information finding and analysis.