Generalization: Difference between revisions

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[[Generalization]] in [[machine learning]] refers to how [[accurate]]ly can a [[trained model]] correctly predict new, unseen [[data]]. A [[model]] that generalizes well is the opposite of one that [[overfit]]s on [[training data]]. It's an essential concept in machine learning since it allows models to be applied in real-world problems where input data may change frequently.
[[Generalization]] in [[machine learning]] refers to how [[accurate]]ly can a [[trained model]] correctly predict new, unseen [[data]]. A [[model]] that generalizes well is the opposite of one that [[overfit]]s on [[training data]]. It's an essential concept in machine learning since it allows models to be applied in real-world problems where input data may change frequently.


[[Machine learning models]] are trained by optimizing their [[parameters]] to minimize the difference between [[prediction]]s and actual outcomes in [[training data]]. If the model becomes overfitted to this training data, it may become complex and unable to generalize well to new information. Overfitting occurs when the model fits [[noise]] rather than underlying patterns in the training data; consequently, it becomes too specialized for new [[datasets]] and performs poorly when given new ones.
[[Machine learning models]] are trained by optimizing their [[parameters]] to minimize the difference between [[prediction]]s and actual outcomes in training data. If the model becomes overfitted to this training data, it may become complex and unable to generalize well to new information. Overfitting occurs when the model fits [[noise]] rather than underlying patterns in the training data; consequently, it becomes too specialized for new [[datasets]] and performs poorly when given new ones.


On the contrary, [[underfitting]] occurs when a model is too simplistic and fails to capture underlying patterns in training data. An underfit model will also perform poorly on new data. Thus, machine learning seeks a balance between overfitting and underfitting; whereby it can reliably capture patterns while also avoiding fitting noise into its predictions.
On the contrary, [[underfitting]] occurs when a model is too simplistic and fails to capture underlying patterns in training data. An underfit model will also perform poorly on new data. Thus, machine learning seeks a balance between overfitting and underfitting; whereby it can reliably capture patterns while also avoiding fitting noise into its predictions.
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Generalizing accurately is critical for machine learning models to be successful in real-world applications. Without this ability, models may produce unreliable predictions on new data - which can prove costly or even hazardous in certain domains. For instance, medical diagnosis relies heavily on accurate diagnoses for new patients; an inaccurate model could potentially have serious repercussions.
Generalizing accurately is critical for machine learning models to be successful in real-world applications. Without this ability, models may produce unreliable predictions on new data - which can prove costly or even hazardous in certain domains. For instance, medical diagnosis relies heavily on accurate diagnoses for new patients; an inaccurate model could potentially have serious repercussions.


Furthermore, lack of generalization can impede the scalability of machine learning models. If a model cannot generalize well, frequent retraining on new data may be required, which is both time-consuming and computationally expensive.
Furthermore, lack of generalization can impede the scalability of machine learning models. If a model cannot generalize well, frequent [[retraining]] on new data may be required, which is both time-consuming and computationally expensive.


Therefore, improving the generalization performance of machine learning models is an important research topic within this field. There are various techniques that can be employed to enhance generalization, such as regularization, early stopping, data augmentation and dropout.
Therefore, improving the generalization performance of machine learning models is an important research topic within this field. There are various techniques that can be employed to enhance generalization, such as [[regularization]], [[early stopping]], [[data augmentation]] and [[dropout]].


==Techniques to Improve Generalization==
==Techniques to Improve Generalization==
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===Regularization===
===Regularization===
Regularization is a technique that adds a penalty term to an objective function during training, discouraging models from becoming too complex. This penalty can be based on either the magnitude of weights in the model or on its number of non-zero weights. Regularization helps prevent overfitting by forcing the model to prioritize simpler solutions which perform better across different situations.
[[Regularization]] is a technique that adds a penalty term to an objective function during [[training]], discouraging models from becoming too complex. This penalty can be based on either the [[magnitude]] of [[weights]] in the model or on its number of [[non-zero weights]]. Regularization helps prevent overfitting by forcing the model to prioritize simpler solutions which perform better across different situations.


Two common types of regularization are L1 regularization and L2 regularization. L1 adds a penalty term proportional to the absolute value of the weights, while L2 applies one based on the square root of those same weights - also referred to as weight decay.
Two common types of regularization are [[L1 regularization]] and [[L2 regularization]]. L1 adds a penalty term proportional to the absolute value of the weights, while L2 applies one based on the square root of those same weights - also referred to as [[weight decay]].


===Early Stopping===
===Early Stopping===
Early stopping is a technique that involves monitoring the validation loss during training and stopping the process when it stops improving. This prevents overfitting by terminating the model before it becomes too specialized for your training data.
[[Early stopping]] is a technique that involves monitoring the [[validation loss]] during training and stopping the process when it stops improving. This prevents overfitting by terminating the model before it becomes too specialized for your training data.


===Data Augmentation===
===Data Augmentation===
Data enhancement is a practice that involves creating new information.
[[Data augmentation]] is a practice that involves creating new information.


==Explain Like I'm 5 (ELI5)==
==Explain Like I'm 5 (ELI5)==