probability

I discussed the many advantages or probability estimation over classification. Here I discuss a particular problem related to classification, namely the harm done by using improper accuracy scoring rules. Accuracy scores are used to drive feature selection, parameter estimation, and for measuring predictive performance on models derived using any optimization algorithm.

Optimum decision making in the presence of uncertainty comes from probabilistic thinking. The relevant probabilities are of a predictive nature: P(the unknown given the known). Thresholds are not helpful and are completely dependent on the utility/cost/loss function.