AI glossary, All the jargon used in the world of data science

Algorithm

A set of rules or steps used to solve a problem. In Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), algorithms process data to make predictions or decisions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Simulation of human intelligence in machines. AI performs tasks like learning, reasoning, and self-correction, mimicking cognitive functions.

Data Mining

The process of discovering patterns and knowledge from large data sets. It’s crucial for extracting insights in Machine Learning and AI applications.

Deep Learning

A subset of Machine Learning involving neural networks with many layers. Deep learning involves using neural networks with multiple layers to analyze and interpret complex patterns in data. Deep learning is particularly well-suited for tasks such as image recognition, speech recognition, and natural language processing.

Feature Engineering

The creation of input variables from raw data to improve model performance. Essential for accurate predictions in Machine Learning models. Feature engineering is selecting and preparing relevant variables or features from a dataset to be used by an algorithm. This can involve transforming raw data into more meaningful representations, such as aggregating values over time or space.

Hyperparameter Tuning

Settings that control the model training process. Unlike parameters, they are set before the learning process begins and significantly impact model performance. Hyperparameter tuning refers to the process of adjusting the parameters that control the learning rate, regularization strength, and other aspects of a machine learning algorithm. Effective hyperparameter tuning is crucial for achieving good performance with an algorithm.

Machine Learning (ML)

A subset of AI focused on building systems that learn from data. Machine Learning algorithms improve their performance over time as they process more data.

Model

A mathematical representation of a real-world process. In Machine Learning, models are trained on data to make predictions and decisions.

Neural Network

A series of algorithms that mimic the human brain. Used in deep learning for pattern recognition, decision-making, and complex data processing tasks.

Overfitting

When a model performs well on training data but poorly on new, unseen data. A common problem in Machine Learning that leads to poor generalization. Overfitting occurs when a machine learning model is too complex for the available data and ends up capturing noise or random variations rather than meaningful patterns. Overfitting can lead to poor performance on new, unseen data.

Reinforcement Learning

A type of Machine Learning where agents learn by interacting with their environment. Rewards and penalties guide their learning process.

Supervised Learning

A type of Machine Learning where models are trained on labeled data. The model learns to predict the output from input data.

Unsupervised Learning

Machine Learning that deals with unlabeled data. The goal is to find hidden patterns or intrinsic structures in the input data.

Training Data

The dataset used to train a Machine Learning model. It contains examples with known outcomes to teach the model to make accurate predictions.

Validation Data

A separate dataset used to evaluate the model during training. Helps to tune hyperparameters and avoid overfitting in Machine Learning models.

Test Data

A dataset used to assess the model’s final performance. Separate from training and validation data to ensure unbiased evaluation.

Transfer Learning

A technique where a pre-trained model is used as the starting point for a new task rather than training from scratch. Leverages existing knowledge to improve learning efficiency in new applications. This can be particularly effective when there are similarities between tasks or datasets.

Cross-Validation

A method to evaluate model performance by partitioning the data into subsets. Ensures the Machine Learning model generalizes well to unseen data.

Gradient Descent

An optimization algorithm is used to minimize the loss function. Essential for training Machine Learning models by updating parameters iteratively.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

A field of AI focused on the interaction between computers and humans using natural language. Enables tasks like translation, sentiment analysis, and information retrieval.

Bias

Systematic error is introduced by incorrect assumptions in the learning process. This can lead to inaccurate Machine Learning models.

Variance

The model’s sensitivity to small fluctuations in the training set. High variance can cause overfitting in Machine Learning models.

Ensemble Learning

Combining multiple models to improve performance. Techniques like bagging and boosting are used to create stronger Machine Learning models.

Clustering

An unsupervised learning technique to group similar data points. Used for market segmentation, image compression, and more in Machine Learning applications.

Dimensionality Reduction

Reducing the number of input variables in a dataset. Techniques like PCA help simplify models and improve performance in Machine Learning.

Anomaly Detection

Identifying unusual patterns in data. Used for fraud detection, network security, and quality control in various Machine Learning applications.

Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

A computational model inspired by the human brain. Consists of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information in Machine Learning tasks.

Backpropagation

An algorithm for training neural networks. Adjusts weights by propagating errors backward from output to input layers in deep learning models.

Black Box

A model whose internal workings are not easily interpretable. Often used to describe complex Machine Learning models like deep neural networks.

Collaborative Filtering

A technique used in recommendation systems. Predicts user preferences based on similarities with other users or items in Machine Learning applications.

Confusion Matrix

A table is used to evaluate the performance of a classification model. Shows the true vs. predicted classifications in Machine Learning.

ROC Curve

A graphical representation of a model’s diagnostic ability. Plots true positive rate against false positive rate in Machine Learning evaluations.

Precision

The ratio of true positive predictions to the total positive predictions. Measures the accuracy of positive predictions in Machine Learning models.

Recall

The ratio of true positive predictions to the total actual positives. Measures the ability to find all positive instances in Machine Learning models.

F1 Score

A metric that combines precision and recall. Provides a balanced measure of a Machine Learning model’s accuracy.

A/B Testing

A method to compare two versions of a variable to determine which performs better. Commonly used in marketing and web design, leveraging Machine Learning insights.

Big Data

Extremely large datasets that require advanced techniques to process and analyze. A key driver of AI and Machine Learning advancements.

Data Augmentation

Techniques used to increase the diversity of training data. Common in image processing, it helps prevent overfitting in Machine Learning models.

Dropout

A regularization technique in neural networks. Randomly drops units during training to prevent overfitting in deep learning models.

Epoch

One complete pass through the entire training dataset. Multiple epochs are often used to train Machine Learning models.

Heuristic

A practical approach to problem-solving based on experience. Not guaranteed to be perfect but useful for finding satisfactory solutions in AI.

IoT (Internet of Things)

The network of physical devices connected to the internet. IoT generates vast amounts of data used in AI and Machine Learning applications.

K-Means

A popular clustering algorithm. Partitions data into K clusters based on similarity, widely used in Machine Learning.

LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory)

A type of recurrent neural network (RNN) is used for sequence prediction. Effective for tasks like language modeling and time-series forecasting in Machine Learning.

Q-Learning

A reinforcement learning algorithm. Learns the value of actions in a given state to maximize cumulative rewards in AI.

Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD)

A variant of gradient descent. Updates model parameters using a random subset of data, speeding up the learning process in Machine Learning.

Support Vector Machine (SVM)

A supervised learning algorithm. Finds the hyperplane that best separates different classes in the data for Machine Learning tasks.

Turing Test

A test of a machine’s ability to exhibit human-like intelligence. A machine passes if a human evaluator cannot distinguish it from a human, which is foundational in AI.

Underfitting

When a model is too simple to capture the underlying pattern in data. Results in poor performance on both training and new data in Machine Learning.

Xavier Initialization

A technique to initialize neural network weights. Helps maintain the variance of activations and gradients throughout the network in deep learning.

Z-Score

A measure of how many standard deviations a data point is from the mean. Used for standardizing data in Machine Learning.

AI Ethics

The study of moral implications of AI. Addresses issues like bias, privacy, and the impact of AI on society, which is crucial for responsible AI development.

Explainable AI (XAI)

AI that provides understandable explanations for its decisions. Aims to increase transparency and trust in AI systems.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

A type of neural network that generates new data samples. Consists of a generator and a discriminator working in opposition, used in Machine Learning.

Knowledge Graph

A structured representation of knowledge. Connects entities and their relationships, used in search engines and recommendation systems, powered by AI.

Meta-Learning

A method where models learn how to learn. Aims to improve learning efficiency and adaptability in Machine Learning.

Bias

Bias in machine learning refers to any systematic error or deviation from a true relationship between variables. In AI applications, bias can be particularly problematic if it is not recognized and addressed, as it can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.

Classification

Classification is the process of assigning an input example to one of several predefined categories or classes. In machine learning, classification algorithms are used to predict a categorical label based on features or attributes of the data.

Random forest

A random forest is an ensemble learning algorithm that combines the predictions of multiple decision trees to produce a more accurate and robust predictor. Random forests are particularly effective for classification tasks and can handle high-dimensional data.

By understanding these Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate these rapidly evolving fields. Boost your AI and ML knowledge and stay ahead in the tech world!