PAC-learning with general class noise models

Abstract

We introduce a framework for class noise, in which most of the known class noise models for the PAC setting can be formulated. Within this framework, we study properties of noise models that enable learning of concept classes of finite VC-dimension with the Empirical Risk Minimization (ERM) strategy. We introduce simple noise models for which classical ERM is not successful. Aiming at a more generalpurpose algorithm for learning under noise, we generalize ERM to a more powerful strategy. Finally, we study general characteristics of noise models that enable learning of concept classes of finite VC-dimension with this new strategy. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.