Competitive Learning

What Does Competitive Learning Mean?

Competitive learning is a type of unsupervised learning model used in machine learning and artificial intelligence systems. Some of the interesting new formats of machine learning projects are partially based on competitive learning include self-organizing component neural networks. That makes this an integral idea in the machine learning community.

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Techopedia Explains Competitive Learning

In a competitive learning model, there are hierarchical sets of units in the network with inhibitory and excitatory connections. The excitatory connections are between individual layers and the inhibitory connections are between units in layered clusters. Units in a cluster are either active or inactive.

Scientists explain that the configuration of active units represents an input pattern to be sent to the next level. In processes like vector quantization, professionals can see the principles of competitive learning at work. Competitive learning also exists alongside other learning models such as ensemble learning, where more than one learning unit works together in a dedicated effort toward a result.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…