Machine Learning Coffee seminar "Empirical Parameterization of Exploratory Search Systems Based on Bandit Algorithms"

Event type: 
HIIT seminar
Event time: 
08.05.2017 - 09:15 - 10:00
Lecturer : 
Dorota Glowacka
Place: 
Exactum D123, Kumpula
Description: 

Dorota Glowacka

Empirical Parameterization of Exploratory Search Systems Based on Bandit Algorithms

Abstract: Exploratory searches are where a user has insufficient knowledge to define exact search criteria or does not otherwise know what they are looking for. Reinforcement learning techniques have demonstrated great potential for supporting exploratory search in information retrieval systems as they allow the system to trade-off exploration (presenting the user with alternatives topics) and exploitation (moving toward more specific topics). Users of such systems, however, often feel that the system is not responsive to user needs. This problem is not an inherent feature of such systems, but is caused by the exploration rate parameter being inappropriately tuned for a given system, dataset or user. In this talk, we discuss two approaches how to optimise exploratory search systems based on bandit algorithms. First, we show that the tradeoff between exploration and exploitation can be modelled as a direct relationship between the exploration rate parameter from the reinforcement learning algorithm and the number of relevant documents returned to the user over the course of a search session. We define the optimal exploration/exploitation trade-off as where this relationship is maximised and show this point to be broadly concordant with user satisfaction and performance. Our second approach aims to dynamically adapt exploration and exploitation in a manner commensurate with the user's individual requirements for each search session. We present a novel study design together with a regression model for predicting the optimal exploration rate based on simple metrics from the first iteration, such as clicks and reading time. We perform model selection based on the data collected from a user study and show that predictions are consistent with user feedback.

Machine Learning Coffee seminars are weekly seminars held jointly by the Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. The seminars aim to gather people from different fields of science with interest in machine learning. Seminars will be held on Mondays at 9 am at Aalto University and the University of Helsinki every other week. At Aalto University, talks will be held in Konemiehentie 2, seminar room T5 and at the University of Helsinki in Kumpula, seminar room D123, unless otherwise noted. Talks will begin at 9:15 am and porridge and coffee will be served from 9:00 am.
 
Following talks:
May 15, Otaniemi: Juho Kannala, Machine Learning for Image-Based
Localization
May 22, Kumpula: Aki Vehtari
May 29, Otaniemi: Jaakko Lehtinen, Graphics Meets Vision Meets Machine
Learning
 
Welcome!
04.05.2017 - 11:05 Teemu Roos
04.05.2017 - 11:05 Teemu Roos