Data Mining Concepts and Techniques Study
Guide
1. Classification
Classification is a supervised learning technique that assigns items in a dataset to predefined
categories or classes. Think of it as sorting emails into “spam” or “not spam” based on
their characteristics.
Definition and Core Concepts
Classification starts with a training dataset where we know the correct categories (labels)
for each item. The algorithm learns patterns from this data to predict categories for new,
unseen items. For example, a bank might use classification to predict whether a loan
applicant is “high risk” or “low risk” based on their financial history.
Data Generalization
Data generalization involves reducing the complexity of data while maintaining its essential
patterns. This process helps in: - Converting raw data into meaningful concepts (like age
ranges instead of exact ages) - Creating concept hierarchies (e.g., city → state → country)
- Reducing noise and handling missing values
Analytical Characterization
This involves analyzing data to understand its key characteristics: - Data distribution and
central tendencies - Data quality assessment - Feature correlation analysis - Pattern
identification in different classes
Analysis of Attribute Relevance
Not all attributes (features) are equally important for classification. We analyze relevance
through: - Information gain calculation - Correlation analysis - Feature selection techniques
- Dimensionality reduction methods
Mining Class Comparisons
This involves analyzing differences between classes by: - Comparing feature distributions
across classes - Identifying discriminating attributes - Understanding class boundaries -
Analyzing misclassification patterns
2. Statistical Measures in Large Databases
Key Statistical Concepts
Central Tendency: Mean, median, mode
Dispersion: Variance, standard deviation
Correlation: Pearson’s coefficient
Sampling techniques for large datasets
Statistical-Based Algorithms
These algorithms use probability theory and statistical inference: - Naive Bayes Classifier -
Bayesian Networks - Maximum Likelihood Estimation - Statistical hypothesis testing
Distance-Based Algorithms
These algorithms use distance metrics to classify items: - k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) -
Distance-weighted classification - Metric learning approaches Common distance measures
include Euclidean, Manhattan, and Cosine similarity.
Decision Tree-Based Algorithms
Decision trees create a flowchart-like structure for classification: - ID3 Algorithm - C4.5
Algorithm - CART (Classification and Regression Trees) - Random Forests
3. Clustering
Introduction to Clustering
Clustering is an unsupervised learning technique that groups similar items together. Unlike
classification, it doesn’t require pre-labeled data.
Similarity and Distance Measures
Key measures include: - Euclidean distance - Manhattan distance - Cosine similarity -
Jaccard coefficient - Correlation-based similarity
Hierarchical and Partitional Algorithms
Hierarchical Clustering
Creates a tree of clusters: - Agglomerative (bottom-up) approach - Divisive (top-down)
approach - Linkage criteria (single, complete, average)
CURE (Clustering Using Representatives)
Handles non-spherical clusters
Uses multiple representative points
More robust to outliers than traditional methods
Chameleon
Dynamic modeling of clusters
Two-phase algorithm: initial partitioning and merging
Adapts to cluster characteristics
Density-Based Methods
DBSCAN
Discovers clusters of arbitrary shape
Based on point density in space
Parameters: eps (radius) and minPts (minimum points)
OPTICS
Extension of DBSCAN
Creates reachability plot
Handles varying density clusters
Grid-Based Methods
STING (Statistical Information Grid)
Divides space into rectangular cells
Hierarchical structure
Statistical information at different levels
CLIQUE
Subspace clustering algorithm
Identifies dense units in lower dimensions
Combines grid and density approaches
Model-Based Methods
Statistical approaches include: - Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm - Gaussian
Mixture Models - Hidden Markov Models
4. Association Rules
Introduction
Association rule mining finds interesting relationships in large datasets, like “customers
who buy bread often buy butter.”
Large Itemsets
Frequent itemset mining
Support and confidence metrics
Minimum support thresholds
Closure properties
Basic Algorithms
Apriori algorithm
FP-growth algorithm
Eclat algorithm
Performance considerations
Parallel and Distributed Algorithms
Data partitioning strategies
Count distribution
Data distribution
Candidate distribution
Neural Network Approach
Neural networks for association rule mining
Deep learning applications
Advantages and limitations
Hybrid approaches
