Multi-objective multi-task learning
by Bagherjeiran, Abraham, Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, 2007, 188 pages; 3263404

Abstract:

This dissertation presents multi-objective multi-task learning, a new learning framework. Given a fixed sequence of tasks, the learned hypothesis space must minimize multiple objectives. Since these objectives are often in conflict, we cannot find a single best solution, so we analyze a set of solutions. We first propose and analyze a new learning principle, empirically efficient learning. From a sample complexity perspective, following this principle is not much worse than the single-objective multi-task learning case. In the context of empirically efficient learning, algorithms for the new learning frameworks are proposed and evaluated. First, we pose regularization as a multi-objective problem, in which training error must balance the complexity of the hypothesis space. Second, we consider multiple data-dependent loss functions, in which the error rate in one class must balance the error rate in the other class. Finally, we assume that tasks share a clustering structure in which the average loss in one cluster must balance the loss in another cluster. The algorithms are evaluated on synthetic and real datasets. The results motivate the application of multi-objective optimization, indicating that the objectives are in conflict. By controlling the relative performance of the algorithms to generate a tradeoff surface, we can effectively explore the multi-objective nature of the learning problem.

 
Advisor
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
SourceDAI/B 68-05, p. , Aug 2007
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsArtificial intelligence; Computer science
Publication Number3263404
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3263404
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.