Supervised and Unsupervised Machine Learning Techniques
Ajesh Rana
Published on 02-08-2024
Introduction
Machine learning is technology that allows machines to make decisions and predictions based on input data, There are mainly two machine learning techniques β Supervised Learning and Unsupervised Learning. Generally, learning these techniques and distinctions between them as well as the algorithmic nature in utilizing all of this can really take your skills to another level when having hands on dealing with some new data problem.
Brief about Machine Learning
Machine learning is a part of artificial intelligence in which algorithm are trained to spot of patterns and make decisions based on data. It is classified into two categories- supervised and unsupervised learning, each with its own set of applications and approaches.
What is Supervised Learning?
This is the kind where you have a model which learns from labeled data it was trained with. Using data with inputs and corresponding outputs Another method of Item-based collaborative filtering The objective is to generate a model that can forecast the result for new data effectively based on those learned patterns.
Regression Algorithms in Supervised Learning
Regression algorithms predict continuous values and include:
- Linear Regression: Predicts outcomes based on the linear relationship between input features and the target variable.
- Ridge Regression: A linear regression variant with regularization to prevent overfitting.
- Lasso Regression: Uses L1 regularization to promote sparsity in model coefficients.
- Polynomial Regression: Fits a polynomial curve to the data for non-linear relationships.
- Support Vector Regression (SVR): Finds a function that deviates from actual values by a specified margin.
- Decision Tree Regression: Uses a tree-like model for predicting continuous values.
- Random Forest Regression: Combines multiple decision trees to enhance prediction accuracy.
Classification Algorithms in Supervised Learning
Classification algorithms predict categorical outcomes and include:
- Logistic Regression: Used for binary classification tasks despite its name.
- Naive Bayes: A probabilistic classifier based on Bayesβ theorem with feature independence assumptions.
- K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN): Classifies data points based on the majority class among its k-nearest neighbors.
- Support Vector Machines (SVMs): Finds the hyperplane that best separates the classes.
- Decision Trees: Models decisions based on a tree-like structure of rules and outcomes.
- Random Forest: An ensemble method using multiple decision trees for improved classification.
- Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM): Builds models sequentially to correct errors of previous models, with variants like XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost.
What is Unsupervised Learning?
Unsupervised Learning deals with unlabeled data. This model trie's to identify patterns, clusters, grouping's, or the structures in the data without predefined labels, It helps in discovering hidden insights or relationships within the data.
Popular Algorithms in Unsupervised Learning
Unsupervised learning algorithms include:
- K-Means Clustering: Partitions data into K clusters based on similarity.
- Hierarchical Clustering: Builds a hierarchy of clusters, visualized as a dendrogram.
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA): Reduces dimensionality while retaining variance.
Key Differences Between Supervised and Unsupervised Learning
The main differences are:
- Data Labels: Supervised learning requires labeled data, while unsupervised learning works with unlabeled data.
- Goal: Supervised learning aims to predict outcomes or classify data, whereas unsupervised learning seeks to find hidden patterns or groupings.
Why Choose One Over the Other?
The choice depends on the problem and data:
- Supervised Learning: Best for tasks with historical data and known outcomes, such as predictive modeling and classification.
- Unsupervised Learning: Useful for exploratory data analysis and understanding data structures or relationships.
Conclusion
Understanding both supervised and unsupervised learning technique's and their algorithm's allows for effective data analysis and predictive modeling. These method's are the provide essentials tools for making informed decisions and uncovering valuable insights from data's.