Quantum Theory and the Nature of Search

The conceptual model and mathematical formalism of quan- tum theory are employed in creating a novel framework for modeling the computational search process addressing problematic issues that restrict information retrieval research. Mapping the mathematical formalism of search to that of quantum theory presents insightful perspectives about the na- ture of search. However, differences in operational semantics of quantum theory and search restrict the utility of the map- ping. An approach is suggested for resolving these semantic differences aiming toward a sound mathematical and concep- tual framework for search inspired by quantum theory