Supervised Learning in Machine Learning

By | September 27, 2023

Supervised Learning in Machine Learning

Supervised learning, also known as supervised machine learning, is a subset of machine learning and artificial intelligence. It distinguishes itself by using labeled datasets to train algorithms that accurately classify data or predict outcomes. 

The model adjusts its weights as input data is fed into it during cross-validation until the model is appropriately fitted. The classification of spam in a separate folder from your inbox is a common example of how supervised learning benefits organizations. In this article, we will learn more about Supervised Learning algorithms in Machine learning in detail.

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How Supervised Learning Works

In supervised learning, models are trained to generate the desired output using a training set. This training dataset includes both correct and incorrect results, allowing the model to improve over time. The loss function is used to determine the algorithm’s accuracy, and iterations are performed until the error is sufficiently reduced. 

There are two types of supervised learning problems in data mining:

  • An algorithm is used in classification to classify test data into different categories precisely. Specific entities in the dataset are identified, and an attempt is made to determine how these entities should be defined or labeled. Examples of popular classification algorithms are linear classifiers, support vector machines (SVM), decision trees, K-nearest neighbors, and random forests.
  • Regression is a statistical method for determining the relationship between dependent and independent variables. It is commonly used to make projections, such as those for a company’s sales revenue. Linear regression, logical regression, and polynomial regression are popular regression algorithms.

Supervised Learning Algorithms

There are various computation methods and algorithms that are applied during supervised machine-learning processes. The most popular learning techniques, which are typically calculated using software like R or Python, are briefly described below:

Neural Network

The Neural Network is specially designed for deep learning algorithms, Neural networks process training data by simulating the interconnectivity of the human brain via layers of nodes. 

Every node has inputs, weights, a bias (or threshold), and an output. If the output value exceeds a certain threshold, the node “fires” or activates, and data is sent to the next network layer. Neural networks learn this mapping function via supervised learning, with gradient descent adjustments made in response to the loss function. We can be confident in the model’s accuracy to produce the right answer when the cost function is at or close to zero.

Naive Bayes

Naive Bayes is a classification approach based on the Bayes theorem’s principle of class conditional independence. This indicates that each predictor has an equal impact on the outcome and that the presence of one feature does not affect the presence of another in terms of the probability of that result.
Naive Bayes classifiers are classified into multinomial Nave Bayes, Bernoulli Nave Bayes, and Gaussian Nave Bayes. This method is most commonly used in text classification, spam detection, and recommendation systems.

Linear Regression

Simple linear regression is used when only one independent variable and one dependent variable are present. Simple linear regression is used when there is only one independent variable and one dependent variable.

When the quantity of independent variables rises, multiple linear regression is employed. Each type of linear regression attempts to plot a line of best fit determined by the least squares method. Compared to other regression models, this line is straight when plotted on a graph.

Logistic regression

Logistic regression is used when the dependent variable is classified with binary outputs such as “true” and “false” or “yes” and “no.” While both regression models seek to understand relationships between data inputs, logistic regression is primarily used to solve binary classification problems like spam detection.

K-nearest neighbor

The KNN algorithm, also known as the K-nearest neighbor, is a non-parametric algorithm for classifying data points based on their proximity and association with other available data. This algorithm assumes that data points with similar characteristics can be found nearby. 

As a result, it attempts to calculate the distance between data points, typically using Euclidean distance, and then assigns a category based on the most frequently occurring category or average. It is popular among data scientists due to its ease of use and short calculation time, but as the test dataset grows, so does the processing time, making it less appealing for classification tasks.  KNN is commonly employed in recommendation engines and image recognition. 

Support vector machines (SVM)

A support vector machine (SVM) is a popular supervised learning model developed by Vladimir Vapnik that can be used for data classification as well as regression. It is, however, most commonly used for classification problems, where it constructs a hyperplane with the greatest distance between two classes of data points. The decision boundary is the hyperplane that separates the data point classes (for example, oranges vs. apples) on either side of the plane.

Supervised Learning Examples

A variety of business applications, including the following, can be built and advanced using supervised learning models:

  • Image and object recognition: Supervised learning algorithms can be used to locate, isolate, and categorize objects in videos or images, making them useful when applied to various computer vision techniques and imagery analysis.
  • Predictive analytics: Using supervised learning models to build predictive analytics systems that provide deep insights into various business data points is a common use case. This enables businesses to forecast specific outcomes based on a given output variable, assisting business leaders in justifying decisions or pivoting for the organization’s benefit.
  • Customer sentiment analysis: Organizations can extract and classify important pieces of information from large volumes of data, such as context, emotion, and intent, with minimal human intervention by using supervised machine learning algorithms. This can be extremely helpful in gaining a better understanding of customer interactions and in improving brand engagement efforts.
  • Spam detection: Another example of a supervised learning model is spam detection. Organizations can effectively organize spam and non-spam correspondences by training databases to recognize patterns or anomalies in new data using supervised classification algorithms.

Challenges of Supervised Learning

Although supervised learning can offer businesses advantages such as deep data insights and improved automation, there are some challenges when building sustainable supervised learning models. The following are some of these challenges:

  • Supervised learning models can require certain levels of expertise to structure accurately.
  • Training supervised learning models can be very time-intensive.
  • Datasets can have a higher likelihood of human error, resulting in algorithms learning incorrectly.
  • Unlike unsupervised learning models, supervised learning cannot cluster or classify data on its own.

Supervised Learning FAQs

Q1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of supervised machine learning?

Ans. Supervised learning excels at classification and regression problems, such as determining the category of a news article or forecasting sales volume for a given future date. The goal of supervised learning is to make sense of data in the context of a specific question. Unsupervised learning is the opposite of supervised learning.

Q2. What is the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?

Ans. The primary distinction between supervised and unsupervised learning is the presence of labels in the data. When the person who creates the computer program labels the data, they are assisting or “supervising” the machine in its learning process. Supervised Learning predicts outcomes using labeled input and output data. 

Q3. What is the definition of supervised machine learning?

Ans.  It employs the same concept that a student would learn under the supervision of a teacher. Supervised learning is the process of providing correct input and output data to a machine learning model.

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