Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Task

Tip-of-the-Tongue Search

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/tip-of-the-tongue-search/

A known-item search task in which the searcher is trying to re-find or identify a previously encountered item but cannot recall a precise name, title, identifier, or other direct lookup key.

Also called

  • Tip-of-the-Tongue Retrieval
  • Tip-of-the-Tongue Known-Item Retrieval
  • ToT Search
  • ToT Retrieval
  • ToT-KIR

Scope

Tip-of-the-tongue search queries often contain partial memories, contextual clues, uncertain descriptions, comparisons, or remembered attributes rather than exact identifiers. It is a specialized form of known-item search and is distinct from exact match search and ordinary ad hoc topical retrieval.

Observed terms

  • Forgotten Item Search industry
  • Find the Thing I Can't Name general

Part of family

Not equivalent to

  • Tip-of-the-Tongue Search is not Ad Hoc Retrieval. Tip-of-the-tongue search seeks a specific previously encountered item; ad hoc retrieval usually seeks topically relevant material for a new information need.
  • Tip-of-the-Tongue Search is not Exact Match. Exact match depends on precise terms, values, or phrases; tip-of-the-tongue search is needed when the user lacks the exact identifier.
  • Tip-of-the-Tongue Search is not Known-Item Search. Tip-of-the-tongue search is a specialized form of known-item search where the searcher cannot reliably recall the item identifier.
  • Tip-of-the-Tongue Search is not Question Answering. Tip-of-the-tongue search identifies an item from partial clues; question answering returns an answer or answer-bearing response.

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ID