AQ Learning

Synonyms

Algorithm quasi-optimal; Star-learning

Definition

AQ learning is a form of supervised machine learning of rules from examples and background knowledge performed by the well-known AQ family of programs and other machine learning methods. AQ learning pioneered separate-and-conquer approach to rule learning in which examples are sequentially covered until a complete class description is formed. Derived knowledge is represented in a highly expressive form of attributional rules.

Theoretical Background

The core of AQ learning is a simple version of A^q (algorithm quasi-optimal) covering algorithm, developed by Ryszard S. Michalski in the late 1960s (Michalski 1969). The algorithm was initially developed for the purpose of minimization of logic functions, and later adapted for rule learning and other machine learning applications.

Simple A^q Algorithm

A^q algorithm realizes a form of supervised learning. Given a set of positive events (examples) P, a set of negative events N, and a...