Common issues in Machine Learning

Although machine learning is being used in every industry and helps organizations make more informed and data-driven
choices that are more effective than classical methodologies, it still has so many problems that cannot be ignored. Here are
some common issues in Machine Learning that professionals face to inculcate ML skills and create an application from
scratch.
1. Inadequate Training Data
The major issue that comes while using machine learning algorithms is the lack of quality as well as quantity of data. Although
data plays a vital role in the processing of machine learning algorithms, many data scientists claim that inadequate data, noisy
data, and unclean data are extremely exhausting the machine learning algorithms. For example, a simple task requires
thousands of sample data, and an advanced task such as speech or image recognition needs millions of sample data examples.
Further, data quality is also important for the algorithms to work ideally, but the absence of data quality is also found in
Machine Learning applications. Data quality can be affected by some factors as follows:
Noisy Data- It is responsible for an inaccurate prediction that affects the decision as well as accuracy in classification tasks.
Incorrect data- It is also responsible for faulty programming and results obtained in machine learning models. Hence,
incorrect data may affect the accuracy of the results also.
Generalizing of output data- Sometimes, it is also found that generalizing output data becomes complex, which results in
comparatively poor future actions.
2. Poor quality of data
As we have discussed above, data plays a significant role in machine learning, and it must be of good quality as well. Noisy
data, incomplete data, inaccurate data, and unclean data lead to less accuracy in classification and low-quality results. Hence,
data quality can also be considered as a major common problem while processing machine learning algorithms.
3. Non-representative training data
To make sure our training model is generalized well or not, we have to ensure that sample training data must be representative
of new cases that we need to generalize. The training data must cover all cases that are already occurred as well as occurring.
Further, if we are using non-representative training data in the model, it results in less accurate predictions. A machine
learning model is said to be ideal if it predicts well for generalized cases and provides accurate decisions. If there is less
training data, then there will be a sampling noise in the model, called the non-representative raining set. It won't be accurate
in predictions. To overcome this, it will be biased against one class or a group. Hence, we should use representative data in
training to protect against being biased and make accurate predictions without any drift.
4. Overfitting and Underfitting
Overfitting: Overfitting is one of the most common issues faced by Machine Learning engineers and data scientists.
Whenever a machine learning model is trained with a huge amount of data, it starts capturing noise and inaccurate data into
the training data set. It negatively affects the performance of the model. Let's understand with a simple example where we
have a few training data sets such as 1000 mangoes, 1000 apples, 1000 bananas, and 5000 papayas. Then there is a
considerable probability of identification of an apple as papaya because we have a massive amount of biased data in the
training data set; hence prediction got negatively affected. The main reason behind overfitting is using non-linear methods
used in machine learning algorithms as they build non-realistic data models. We can overcome overfitting by using linear
and parametric algorithms in the machine learning models.
Methods to reduce overfitting:
 Increase training data in a dataset.
 Reduce model complexity by simplifying the model by selecting one with fewer parameters
 Ridge Regularization and Lasso Regularization
 Early stopping during the training phase
 Reduce the noise
 Reduce the number of attributes in training data.
 Constraining the model.
Underfitting: Underfitting is just the opposite of overfitting. Whenever a machine learning model is trained with fewer
amounts of data, and as a result, it provides incomplete and inaccurate data and destroys the accuracy of the machine learning
model. Underfitting occurs when our model is too simple to understand the base structure of the data, just like an undersized
pant. This generally happens when we have limited data into the data set, and we try to build a linear model with non-linear
data. In such scenarios, the complexity of the model destroys, and rules of the machine learning model become too easy to
be applied on this data set, and the model starts doing wrong predictions as well.
Methods to reduce Underfitting:
 Increase model complexity
 Remove noise from the data
 Trained on increased and better features
 Reduce the constraints
 Increase the number of epochs to get better results.
5. Monitoring and maintenance
As we know that generalized output data is mandatory for any machine learning model; hence, regular monitoring and
maintenance become compulsory for the same. Different results for different actions require data change; hence editing of
codes as well as resources for monitoring them also become necessary.
6. Getting bad recommendations
A machine learning model operates under a specific context which results in bad recommendations and concept drift in the
model. Let's understand with an example where at a specific time customer is looking for some gadgets, but now customer
requirement changed over time but still machine learning model showing same recommendations to the customer while
customer expectation has been changed. This incident is called a Data Drift. It generally occurs when new data is introduced
or interpretation of data changes. However, we can overcome this by regularly updating and monitoring data according to
the expectations.
7. Lack of skilled resources
Although Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are continuously growing in the market, still these industries are
fresher in comparison to others. The absence of skilled resources in the form of manpower is also an issue. Hence, we need
manpower having in-depth knowledge of mathematics, science, and technologies for developing and managing scientific
substances for machine learning.
8. Customer Segmentation
Customer segmentation is also an important issue while developing a machine learning algorithm. To identify the customers
who paid for the recommendations shown by the model and who don't even check them. Hence, an algorithm is necessary to
recognize the customer behavior and trigger a relevant recommendation for the user based on past experience.
9. Process Complexity of Machine Learning
The machine learning process is very complex, which is also another major issue faced by machine learning engineers and
data scientists. However, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are very new technology but are still in an
experimental phase and continuously being changing over time. There is the majority of hits and trial experiments; hence the
probability of error is higher than expected. Further, it also includes analyzing the data, removing data bias, training data,
applying complex mathematical calculations, etc., making the procedure more complicated and quite tedious.
10. Data Bias
Data Biasing is also found a big challenge in Machine Learning. These errors exist when certain elements of the dataset are
heavily weighted or need more importance than others. Biased data leads to inaccurate results, skewed outcomes, and other
analytical errors. However, we can resolve this error by determining where data is actually biased in the dataset. Further, take
necessary steps to reduce it.
Methods to remove Data Bias:
 Research more for customer segmentation.
 Be aware of your general use cases and potential outliers.
 Combine inputs from multiple sources to ensure data diversity.
 Include bias testing in the development process.
 Analyze data regularly and keep tracking errors to resolve them easily.
 Review the collected and annotated data.
 Use multi-pass annotation such as sentiment analysis, content moderation, and intent recognition.
11. Lack of Explainability
This basically means the outputs cannot be easily comprehended as it is programmed in specific ways to deliver for certain
conditions. Hence, a lack of explainability is also found in machine learning algorithms which reduce the credibility of the
algorithms.
12. Slow implementations and results
This issue is also very commonly seen in machine learning models. However, machine learning models are highly efficient
in producing accurate results but are time consuming. Slow programming, excessive requirements' and overloaded data take
more time to provide accurate results than expected. This needs continuous maintenance and monitoring of the model for
delivering accurate results.
13. Irrelevant features
Although machine learning models are intended to give the best possible outcome, if we feed garbage data as input, then the
result will also be garbage. Hence, we should use relevant features in our training sample. A machine learning model is said
to be good if training data has a good set of features or less to no irrelevant features.