Using vector and extended boolean matching in an expert system

Since there are many similarities between the fields of information retrieval and artificial intelligence, it may be appropriate to adapt methods developed in one field to applications usually thought of as belonging to the other. While recent attention in this regard has focused on the use of artificial intelligence methods in the information sciences, this project demonstrates the utility of information retrieval techniques in the expert systems area of artificial intelligence. In particular, it addresses the difficult task of building an expert system for the social sciences. FOCES (FOster Care Expert System) is a prototype assistant to social workers involved in selecting foster homes for children who are in need of placement. The design of FOCES called for use of GUESS (General‐pUrpose Expert System Shell) and tailored Prolog routines for extended Boolean matching and vector correlation. Evaluation of the implemented system has shown that FOCES can perform its assigned task as well as trained social workers. © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.