Outlier detection using rough set theory

Abstract

In this paper, we suggest to exploit the framework of rough set for detecting outliers - individuals who behave in an unexpected way or feature abnormal properties. The ability to locate outliers can help to maintain knowledge base integrity and to single out irregular individuals. First, we formally define the notions of exceptional set and minimal exceptional set. We then analyze some special cases of exceptional set and minimal exceptional set. Finally, we introduce a new definition for outliers as well as the definition of exceptional degree. Through calculating the exceptional degree for each object in minimal exceptional sets, we can find out all outliers in a given dataset. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.