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September 16, 2024

When to Normalize or Standardize Data

Explore the differences between normalization and standardization in data preprocessing, their role in machine learning, and when to use each technique for optimal results.
Dexter Chu
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What is the Difference Between Normalization and Standardization in Data Preprocessing?

Normalization and standardization are both techniques used in data preprocessing to address the issue of features having different scales. They both achieve this by scaling the data points, but they differ in their approach and applicability.

       
  • Normalization involves scaling features to a specific range, typically between 0 and 1 or -1 and 1.
    •    
  • Standardization involves scaling features so that they have a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one.

When is Normalization Preferred Over Standardization?

Normalization is useful when the distribution of your data is unknown or not Gaussian. It is also beneficial when the machine learning algorithm you're using doesn't make assumptions about the data distribution, such as k-nearest neighbors and neural networks.

       
  • Normalization is particularly effective when the data distribution is unknown or non-Gaussian.
    •    
  • Algorithms that do not make assumptions about the data distribution, like k-nearest neighbors and neural networks, can benefit from normalization.

When is Standardization Preferred Over Normalization?

Standardization is useful when the distribution of your data is Gaussian. While not strictly necessary, data standardization works best with a normal distribution. It is also beneficial when the machine learning algorithm you're using assumes a Gaussian distribution, such as linear regression and logistic regression.

       
  • Standardization works best when the data distribution is Gaussian or bell-shaped.
    •    
  • Algorithms that assume a Gaussian distribution, like linear regression and logistic regression, can benefit from standardization.

How to Choose Between Normalization and Standardization?

If you're unsure about the data distribution, or if your algorithm doesn't make assumptions about it, use normalization. If you know your data is Gaussian and your algorithm benefits from it, use standardization.

       
  • If the data distribution is unknown or the algorithm doesn't make assumptions about it, normalization is recommended.
    •    
  • If the data is Gaussian and the algorithm benefits from it, standardization is the better choice.

What is the Role of Normalization and Standardization in Machine Learning?

Normalization and standardization play a crucial role in machine learning. They help to scale the data points, ensuring that the features have similar scales. This is important as it allows the machine learning algorithm to interpret the features correctly and make accurate predictions.

       
  • Normalization and standardization help to scale data points, ensuring similar scales for features.
    •    
  • They allow the machine learning algorithm to interpret features correctly and make accurate predictions.

What are the Benefits of Normalization and Standardization?

Normalization and standardization offer several benefits. They improve the performance of machine learning algorithms by ensuring that the features have similar scales. This prevents any one feature from dominating the others, leading to more accurate predictions. They also help to handle outliers and improve the computational efficiency of the algorithms.

       
  • Normalization and standardization improve the performance of machine learning algorithms by ensuring similar scales for features.
    •    
  • They prevent any one feature from dominating the others, leading to more accurate predictions.
    •    
  • They also help to handle outliers and improve the computational efficiency of the algorithms.
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