Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Task

Single-Shot Retrieval

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/single-shot-retrieval/

A non-iterative retrieval setup in which a single query, topic, or information need is submitted and a result set or ranked list is produced without dependent follow-up retrieval steps.

Also called

  • One-Shot Retrieval
  • Single Shot Retrieval
  • One Shot Retrieval

Scope

Single-shot retrieval is useful as a contrast with multi-hop retrieval, interactive search, session search, and agentic retrieval. The phrase one-shot retrieval is sometimes used informally, but single-shot avoids confusion with one-shot learning in machine learning.

Observed terms

  • Single-Turn Retrieval industry
  • Single-Query Retrieval academic

Part of family

Not equivalent to

  • Single-Shot Retrieval is not Ad Hoc Retrieval. Ad hoc retrieval is a classic task formulation that is often evaluated in a single-shot way, but single-shot retrieval names the non-iterative interaction pattern rather than the collection/topic setup.
  • Single-Shot Retrieval is not Agentic Retrieval. Single-shot retrieval is non-iterative; agentic retrieval lets an agent plan, issue, evaluate, and iterate retrieval actions.
  • Single-Shot Retrieval is not Interactive Search. Single-shot retrieval produces results without user-system interaction over time; interactive search centers on interaction across a search process.
  • Single-Shot Retrieval is not Iterative Retrieval. Single-shot retrieval uses one non-iterative retrieval attempt; iterative retrieval repeats retrieval attempts.
  • Single-Shot Retrieval is not Multi-Hop Retrieval. Single-shot retrieval uses one retrieval attempt or query; multi-hop retrieval uses multiple dependent retrieval steps or evidence hops.
  • Single-Shot Retrieval is not Session Search. Single-shot retrieval treats a query or topic in isolation; session search uses multiple related interactions within a search session.

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ID