Machine learning lets companies turn oodles of data into predictions that can help the

business. These predictive machine learning algorithms offer a lot of profit potential.

However, effective machine learning (ML) algorithms require quality training and testing
data — and often lots of it — to make accurate predictions. Different datasets serve
different purposes in preparing an algorithm to make predictions and decisions based
on real-world data.

In this article, we’ll compare training data vs. test data vs. validation data and explain
the place for each in machine learning. While all three are typically split from one large
dataset, each one typically has its own distinct use in ML modeling. Let’s start with a
high-level definition of each term:

 Training data. This type of data builds up the machine learning algorithm. The
data scientist feeds the algorithm input data, which corresponds to an expected
output. The model evaluates the data repeatedly to learn more about the data’s
behavior and then adjusts itself to serve its intended purpose.
 Validation data. During training, validation data infuses new data into the model
that it hasn’t evaluated before. Validation data provides the first test against
unseen data, allowing data scientists to evaluate how well the model makes
predictions based on the new data. Not all data scientists use validation data, but
it can provide some helpful information to optimize hyperparameters, which
influence how the model assesses data.
 Test data. After the model is built, testing data once again validates that it can
make accurate predictions. If training and validation data include labels to
monitor performance metrics of the model, the testing data should be unlabeled.
Test data provides a final, real-world check of an unseen dataset to confirm that
the ML algorithm was trained effectively.

While each of these three datasets has its place in creating and training ML models, it’s
easy to see some overlap between them. The difference between training data vs. test
data is clear: one trains a model, the other confirms it works correctly, but confusion can
pop up between the functional similarities and differences of other types of datasets.

Let’s further explore the differences between training data, validation data and testing
data, and how to properly train an ML algorithm.
Training data vs. validation data

ML algorithms require training data to achieve an objective. The algorithm will analyze
this training dataset, classify the inputs and outputs, then analyze it again. Trained
enough, an algorithm will essentially memorize all of the inputs and outputs in a training
dataset — this becomes a problem when it needs to consider data from other sources,
such as real-world customers.

Here is where validation data is useful. Validation data provides an initial check that the
model can return useful predictions in a real-world setting, which training data cannot
do. The ML algorithm can assess training data and validation data at the same time.

Validation data is an entirely separate segment of data, though a data scientist might
carve out part of the training dataset for validation — as long as the datasets are kept
separate throughout the entirety of training and testing.

For example, let’s say an ML algorithm is supposed to analyze a picture of a vertebrate

and provide its scientific classification. The training dataset would include lots of
pictures of mammals, but not all pictures of all mammals, let alone all pictures of all
vertebrates. So, when the validation data provides a picture of a squirrel, an animal the
model hasn’t seen before, the data scientist can assess how well the algorithm performs
in that task. This is a check against an entirely different dataset than the one it was
trained on.

Based on the accuracy of the predictions after the validation stage, data scientists can
adjust hyperparameters such as learning rate, input features and hidden layers. These
adjustments prevent overfitting, in which the algorithm can make excellent
determinations on the training data, but can't effectively adjust predictions for additional
data. The opposite problem, underfitting, occurs when the model isn’t complex enough
to make accurate predictions against either training data or new data.

In short, when you see good predictions on both the training datasets and validation
datasets, you can have confidence that the algorithm works as intended on new data,
not just a small subset of data.

Validation data vs. testing data

Not all data scientists rely on both validation data and testing data. To some degree,
both datasets serve the same purpose: make sure the model works on real data.

However, there are some practical differences between validation data and testing data.
If you opt to include a separate stage for validation data analysis, this dataset is typically
labeled so the data scientist can collect metrics that they can use to better train the
model. In this sense, validation data occurs as part of the model training process.
Conversely, the model acts as a black box when you run testing data through it. Thus,
validation data tunes the model, whereas testing data simply confirms that it works.

There is some semantic ambiguity between validation data and testing data. Some
organizations call testing datasets “validation datasets.” Ultimately, if there are three
datasets to tune and check ML algorithms, validation data typically helps tune the
algorithm and testing data provides the final assessment.

Craft better ML algorithms

Now that you understand the difference between training data, validation data and
testing data, you can begin to effectively train ML algorithms. But it’s easier said than
done.

In some ways, an ML algorithm is only as good as its training data — as the saying
goes, “garbage in, garbage out." Effective ML training data is built upon three key
components:

 Quantity. A robust ML algorithm needs lots of training data to properly learn how
to interact with users and behave within the application. Think about humans; we
must take in a lot of information before we can call ourselves experts at anything.
It's no different for software. Plan to use a lot of training, validation and test data
to ensure the algorithm works as expected.
 Quality. Volume alone will only take your ML algorithm so far. The quality of the
data is just as important. This means collecting real-world data, such as voice
utterances, images, videos, documents, sounds and other forms of input on
which your algorithm might rely. Real-world data is critical, as it takes a form that
most closely mimics how an application will receive user input, and therefore
gives your application the best chance of succeeding in its mission. For example,
ML algorithms that rely on visual and/or sonic inputs should source training data
 from the same or similar hardware and environmental conditions expected once
deployed.
 Diversity. The third piece of the pie is diversity of data, which is essential to
eliminate the dreaded problem of AI bias, where the application works better for a
certain segment of the population than others. With AI bias, the ML algorithm
delivers results that can be seen as prejudiced against a certain gender, race,
age group, language or culture, depending on how it manifests. Make sure the
algorithm has "seen it all" before you release the application and rely on it to
perform on its own. Biased ML algorithms should not speak for your brand. Train
algorithms with artifacts comprising an equal and wide-ranging variety of inputs.

Depending on the type of ML approach and the phase of the buildout, labels or tags
might be another essential component to data collection. In supervised
learning approaches, clearly tagged data and direct feedback ensures that the algorithm
can self-learn. This increases the work involved in training and testing algorithms, and it
requires accuracy in the face of tedium and often tight deadlines. However, this effort
will take you that much further toward a successful implementation.

Applause helps companies source high-quantity and high-quality training and testing
data from all over the world. Our diverse community of digital experts provides the right
context for the algorithm in your application and helps reduce AI bias. Applause can
source training, validation and testing data in whatever forms you need: text, images,
video, speech, handwriting, biometrics and more.

You no longer have to choose between time to market and effective algorithm training.
Applause can help you train and test an algorithm with the types of data you need, on
your target devices. Contact us today.