The effect of training data set size and the complexity of the separation function on neural network classification capability: The two‐group case
研究了训练样本大小和网络拓扑对神经网络分类能力的影响，发现其预测能力优于传统统计模型，尤其适用于复杂判别函数和含噪声的真实数据。
Classification among groups is a crucial problem in managerial decision making. Classification techniques are used in: identifying stressed firms, classifying among consumer types, and rating of firms' bonds, etc. Neural networks are recognized as important and emerging methodologies in the area of classification. In this paper, we study the effect of training sample size and the neural network topology on the classification capability of neural networks. We also compare neural network capabilities with those of commonly used statistical methodologies. Experiments were designed and carried out on two-group classification problems to find answers to these questions. The prediction capability of the neural network models are better than traditional statistical models. The learning capability of the neural networks is improving compared to traditional models because the discriminate function is more complex. For real world classification problems, the usage of neural networks is highly recommended, for two reasons: learning capability and flexibility. Learning capability: Neural network classifies better in sterile experiments as performed in this research. Flexibility: Real life data are rarely not contaminated with noise, such as unknown distributions, and missing variables, etc. Neural networks differ from a statistical model that it is not dependent on any assumption concerning the data set distribution. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 44: 699–717, 1997