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What is Machine Learning

The term ‘machine learning’ is often, incorrectly, interchanged with
Artificial Intelligence , but machine learning is actually a subfield/type of
AI. Machine learning is also often referred to as predictive analytics, or
predictive modelling.

Coined by American computer scientist Arthur Samuel in 1959, the term

‘machine learning’ is defined as a “computer’s ability to learn without being
explicitly programmed”.

At its most basic, machine learning uses programmed algorithms that

receive and analyse input data to predict output values within an
acceptable range. As new data is fed to these algorithms, they learn and
optimise their operations to improve performance, developing ‘intelligence’
over time.

There are four types of machine learning algorithms: supervised,

semi-supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement.
 Supervised learning
In supervised learning, the machine is taught by example. The operator
provides the machine learning algorithm with a known dataset that
includes desired inputs and outputs, and the algorithm must find a
method to determine how to arrive at those inputs and outputs. While the
operator knows the correct answers to the problem, the algorithm
identifies patterns in data, learns from observations and makes
predictions. The algorithm makes predictions and is corrected by the
operator – and this process continues until the algorithm achieves a high
level of accuracy/performance.

Under the umbrella of supervised learning fall: Classification, Regression

and Forecasting.

1. Classification: In classification tasks, the machine learning

program must draw a conclusion from observed values and
determine to
what category new observations belong. For example, when
filtering emails as ‘spam’ or ‘not spam’, the program must look at
existing observational data and filter the emails accordingly.
2. Regression: In regression tasks, the machine learning program
must estimate – and understand – the relationships among
 variables. Regression analysis focuses on one dependent variable
and a series of other changing variables – making it particularly
useful for prediction and forecasting.
3. Forecasting: Forecasting is the process of making predictions
about the future based on the past and present data, and is
commonly used to analyse trends.

Semi-supervised learning

Semi-supervised learning is similar to supervised learning, but instead

uses both labelled and unlabelled data. Labelled data is essentially
information that has meaningful tags so that the algorithm can
understand the data, whilst unlabelled data lacks that information. By
using this

combination, machine learning algorithms can learn to label unlabelled

data.
 Unsupervised learning

Here, the machine learning algorithm studies data to identify patterns.

There is no answer key or human operator to provide instruction. Instead,
the machine determines the correlations and relationships by analysing
available data. In an unsupervised learning process, the machine learning
algorithm is left to interpret large data sets and address that data
accordingly. The algorithm tries to organise that data in some way to
describe its structure. This might mean grouping the data into clusters or
arranging it in a way that looks more organised.

As it assesses more data, its ability to make decisions on that data

gradually improves and becomes more refined.

Under the umbrella of unsupervised learning, fall:

1. Clustering: Clustering involves grouping sets of similar data

(based on defined criteria). It’s useful for segmenting data into
several groups and performing analysis on each data set to find
patterns.
 2. Dimension reduction: Dimension reduction reduces the number of
variables being considered to find the exact information required.

Reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning focuses on regimented learning processes, where a

machine learning algorithm is provided with a set of actions, parameters
and end values. By defining the rules, the machine learning algorithm then
tries to explore different options and possibilities, monitoring and
evaluating each result to determine which one is optimal. Reinforcement
learning teaches the machine trial and error. It learns from past
experiences and begins to adapt its approach in response to the situation
to achieve the best possible result.

What machine learning algorithms can you use?

Choosing the right machine learning algorithm depends on several

factors, including, but not limited to: data size, quality and diversity, as well
as what answers businesses want to derive from that data. Additional
considerations include accuracy, training time, parameters, data points
and much more. Therefore, choosing the right algorithm is both a
combination of business need, specification, experimentation and time
available. Even the most experienced data scientists cannot tell you which
algorithm will perform the best before experimenting with others. We have,
however, compiled a machine learning algorithm ‘cheat sheet’ which will
help you find the most appropriate one for your specific challenges.

Example of a Type of Machine Learning

Algorithm Called Classification

The concept of categorizing data is based on training with a set of data so

that the machine can essentially learn boundaries that separate categories of
data. Therefore, new data inputted into the model can be categorized based
on where the point exists.
 Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf2bCQIktTo&ab_channel=CognitiveClass
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