A new algorithm for Subgroup Set Discovery based on Information Gain

Abstract

Pattern discovery is a machine learning technique that aims to find sets of items, subsequences, or substructures that are present in a dataset with a higher frequency value than a manually set threshold. This process helps to identify recurring patterns or relationships within the data, allowing for valuable insights and knowledge extraction. In this work, we propose Information Gained Subgroup Discovery (IGSD), a new SD algorithm for pattern discovery that combines Information Gain (IG) and Odds Ratio (OR) as a multi-criteria for pattern selection. The algorithm tries to tackle some limitations of state-of-the-art SD algorithms like the need for fine-tuning of key parameters for each dataset, usage of a single pattern search criteria set by hand, usage of non-overlapping data structures for subgroup space exploration, and the impossibility to search for patterns by fixing some relevant dataset variables. Thus, we compare the performance of IGSD with two state-of-the-art SD algorithms: FSSD and SSD++. Eleven datasets are assessed using these algorithms. For the performance evaluation, we also propose to complement standard SD measures with IG, OR, and p-value. Obtained results show that FSSD and SSD++ algorithms provide less reliable patterns and reduced sets of patterns than IGSD algorithm for all datasets considered. Additionally, IGSD provides better OR values than FSSD and SSD++, stating a higher dependence between patterns and targets. Moreover, patterns obtained for one of the datasets used, have been validated by a group of domain experts. Thus, patterns provided by IGSD show better agreement with experts than patterns obtained by FSSD and SSD++ algorithms. These results demonstrate the suitability of the IGSD as a method for pattern discovery and suggest that the inclusion of non-standard SD metrics allows to better evaluate discovered patterns.