An optimal search strategy based on user preferences for choice oriented databases

In many instances, when people search a database, they are searching for a best record instead of a record with a particular set of characteristics. Using boolean queries to develop a search strategy to find a best record has proven too difficult, especially for novice users. We construct an optimal decision strategy for finding the best available alternative that takes into account both the expected value of continued search and the cost of search. The optimal strategy is intuitively appealing, and can be used as the basis for heuristics in more complex environments.