HML: Lesson - Decision Making

A rainbow graph made from data used in machine learning.Decision Making

Think About It...

As we continue exploring machine learning, ask yourself a few questions:

  • What sort of process do you use to make a decision?
  • Do you think machines can make decisions? If so, how is it different from your process?

Four Types of Decision for Machine Learning

While it is important to understand that machines learn by processing various types of data, it is also equally important to understand the kinds of decisions machines make based on data. Four types of decisions we will review in this lesson are:

  • Classification
  • Prediction
  • Recommendation
  • Planning and scheduling

An algorithm that performs one of these decision-making tasks is called a reasoner. Multiple reasoning algorithms can be used for the same tasks.

Details on Decision Making

Let’s examine the four types of decisions stated above.

  • Classification: A classifier is like a detective that examines something and decides what category or group it belongs to. These categories or groups are called classes.
  • Prediction: A predictor is like a solver that tries to figure out a number. If the predictions are about the present it is called an estimate. If the prediction is about the future it is called a forecast.
  • Recommendation: Recommender systems are like helpers that suggest things to you from a big collection, using what they know about what you like and what people with similar preferences to you also like. Recommender systems base their decisions on things such as:
    • Things you enjoyed before
    • People who like the same things as you
    • Things those people liked that you haven’t tried yet
    • Based on these preferences, the recommender system suggests those things to you.
  • Planning and Scheduling: Planning and scheduling problems help determine smart ways to complete tough tasks in time sensitive situations.

To sum it all up, understanding the four types of decisions in this lesson is like unlocking secrets about how machines learn and make decisions. It’s like teaching a robot detective to sort things into groups, a prediction machine to guess what might happen next, a helpful buddy bot to suggest things you’d like, and a super-organized planner bot to manage time wisely. Understanding these concepts helps us see how machines can be smart helpers in our lives, making tasks easier and more fun!

Practice Activity

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