Reading 24 (Nov 14)

Optimization Models and "Group Travel", Genetic Algorithms, and "Natural Language Corpus Data"

Goal

Learn about applying optimization techniques and genetic algorithms in a data mining context.

Learn about natural language data mining from Peter Norvig!

Instructions

Your assignment is to read the following items and be prepared to discuss them in class.

• Read CI chapter 5 Optimization, pages 86 - 116.
• Read BD chapter 14 Natural Language Corpus Data, pages 219 - 242.

What is stochastic optimization? What is simulated annealing? What are genetic algorithms? How might these ideas be applied in a data mining / machine learning context?

What is a corpus as described by Norvig? How are probabilistic language models used?

Grading criteria

• 2 participation points: You must tell our guest lecturer about the Peter Norvig essay and "probabilistic language models" on Wednesday, Nov 16.