Difference between Supervised and
Unsupervised Learning
Supervised and Unsupervised learning are the two techniques of machine learning.
But both the techniques are used in different scenarios and with different datasets.
Below the explanation of both learning methods along with their difference table is
given.
Supervised Machine Learning:
Supervised learning is a machine learning method in which models are trained using
labeled data. In supervised learning, models need to find the mapping function to
map the input variable (X) with the output variable (Y).
Supervised learning needs supervision to train the model, which is similar to as a
student learns things in the presence of a teacher. Supervised learning can be used
for two types of problems: Classification and Regression.
Learn more Supervised Machine Learning
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Example: Suppose we have an image of different types of fruits. The task of our
supervised learning model is to identify the fruits and classify them accordingly. So to
identify the image in supervised learning, we will give the input data as well as
output for that, which means we will train the model by the shape, size, color, and
taste of each fruit. Once the training is completed, we will test the model by giving
the new set of fruit. The model will identify the fruit and predict the output using a
suitable algorithm.
Unsupervised Machine Learning:
Unsupervised learning is another machine learning method in which patterns
inferred from the unlabeled input data. The goal of unsupervised learning is to find
the structure and patterns from the input data. Unsupervised learning does not need
any supervision. Instead, it finds patterns from the data by its own.
Learn more Unsupervised Machine Learning
Unsupervised learning can be used for two types of
problems: Clustering and Association.
Example: To understand the unsupervised learning, we will use the example given
above. So unlike supervised learning, here we will not provide any supervision to the
model. We will just provide the input dataset to the model and allow the model to
find the patterns from the data. With the help of a suitable algorithm, the model will
train itself and divide the fruits into different groups according to the most similar
features between them.
The main differences between Supervised and Unsupervised learning are given
below:
Supervised Learning Unsupervised Learning
Supervised learning algorithms are Unsupervised learning algorithms are
trained using labeled data. trained using unlabeled data.
Supervised learning model takes direct Unsupervised learning model does not
feedback to check if it is predicting take any feedback.
correct output or not.
Supervised learning model predicts the Unsupervised learning model finds the
output. hidden patterns in data.
In supervised learning, input data is In unsupervised learning, only input
provided to the model along with the data is provided to the model.
output.
The goal of supervised learning is to train The goal of unsupervised learning is to
the model so that it can predict the find the hidden patterns and useful
output when it is given new data. insights from the unknown dataset.
Supervised learning needs supervision to Unsupervised learning does not need
train the model. any supervision to train the model.
Supervised learning can be categorized Unsupervised Learning can be classified
in Classification and Regression proble in Clustering and Associations proble
ms. ms.
Supervised learning can be used for Unsupervised learning can be used for
those cases where we know the input as those cases where we have only input
well as corresponding outputs. data and no corresponding output data.
Supervised learning model produces an Unsupervised learning model may give
accurate result. less accurate result as compared to
supervised learning.
Supervised learning is not close to true Unsupervised learning is more close to
Artificial intelligence as in this, we first the true Artificial Intelligence as it learns
train the model for each data, and then similarly as a child learns daily routine
only it can predict the correct output. things by his experiences.
It includes various algorithms such as It includes various algorithms such as
Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Clustering, KNN, and Apriori algorithm.
Support Vector Machine, Multi-class
Classification, Decision tree, Bayesian
Logic, etc.
Note: The supervised and unsupervised learning both are the machine learning
methods, and selection of any of these learning depends on the factors related to the
structure and volume of your dataset and the use cases of the problem.
