Machine Learning

PostedAugust 23, 2023

Byles-admin

What Does Machine Learning Mean

Machine learning (ML) is the process of using data models to help a computer learn in ways similar to how the human brain learns. without needing to be explicitly told what to do by any human direct instruction. Machine learning uses algorithms to analyse, categorize, identify patterns within data then makes predictions. Machine Learning has existed in various forms since the 1960s and is increasingly widely used. Around 70% of financial services companies use some form of ML by some measures.

Machine Learning consists of two elements: an algorithm and a dataset. The algorithm instructs the ML model on what to do (analyse data, detect patterns, make predictions). The algorithm then processes the data to produce an output. The more data the algorithm processes, the more accurate it should become. Usually, the model makes the improvements based on built-in logic, however, humans can assist the model by updating the algorithm or making changes to improve the quality. This is what is meant by “learning.” the machine is imitating the humans in learning basic concepts and improves through repetition and extrapolation. This improvement happens because the model develops better techniques for distinguishing between data.

Machine learning is the study of making machines human-like in their behaviour and decisions by giving them the ability to learn and develop their own programs.

Training Machine Learning

While there are sub-types within each category, the four primary types of machine learning are:

Supervised ML: This uses labelled data where the model build a set of data that contains both an inputs and the desired outputs also known as a supervisory signal.^[38] The data is known as training data. Structured data is best used for relatively simple tasks that can be automated, with easily defined and understood rules. In the mathematical model, each training example is represented by an array or vector, sometimes called a feature vector, and the training data is represented by a matrix. Through iterative optimization of an objective function, supervised learning algorithms learn a function that can be used to predict the output associated with new inputs.^[39] An optimal function will allow the algorithm to correctly determine the output for inputs that were not a part of the training data.

Types of supervised-learning algorithms include active learning, classification and regression.^[40] Classification algorithms are used when the outputs are restricted to a limited set of values, and regression algorithms are used when the outputs may have any numerical value within a range. As an example, for a classification algorithm that filters emails, the input would be an incoming email, and the output would be the name of the folder in which to file the email.

Similarity learning is an area of supervised machine learning closely related to regression and classification, but the goal is to learn from examples using a similarity function that measures how similar or related two objects are. It has applications in ranking, recommendation systems, visual identity tracking, face verification, and speaker verification.

Unsupervised ML: Unlike Supervised ML, no labeled or structured data is available. Instead, the model detects patterns and draws conclusions based on the data, including things the model’s creator isn’t looking for. It’s used to detect patterns and for classification (such as grouping customers based on behaviour) and then to take actions based on those patterns.

Semi-Supervised ML: Combines the two types above by initially training the model with labelled data and then having the model process unlabelled data. Semi-supervised ML is helpful when there’s not enough labelled data or generating that data is impractical.

Reinforcement: This type of ML is based on rewards or positive feedback and is best used for systems where you can easily define right/wrong answers and where there’s a best action in a given. ML models that play games like chess are often reinforcement models.