Title
Improved validation framework and R-package for artificial neural network models.
Abstract
Validation is a critical component of any modelling process. In artificial neural network (ANN) modelling, validation generally consists of the assessment of model predictive performance on an independent validation set (predictive validity). However, this ignores other aspects of model validation considered to be good practice in other areas of environmental modelling, such as residual analysis (replicative validity) and checking the plausibility of the model in relation to a priori system understanding (structural validity). In order to address this shortcoming, a validation framework for ANNs is introduced in this paper that covers all of the above aspects of validation. In addition, the validann R-package is introduced that enables these validation methods to be implemented in a user-friendly and consistent fashion. The benefits of the framework and R-package are demonstrated for two environmental modelling case studies, highlighting the importance of considering replicative and structural validity in addition to predictive validity. A comprehensive validation framework for ANNs is proposed.The validann R-package for implementing the validation framework is introduced.Application of the framework and R-package is demonstrated on two real case studies.Results reveal that predictively valid ANN models may not be credible.Adoption of the framework leads to improvements in overall ANN validity.
Year
DOI
Venue
2017
10.1016/j.envsoft.2017.01.023
Environmental Modelling and Software
Keywords
Field
DocType
Artificial neural networks,Multi-layer perceptron,R-package,Structural validation,Replicative validation,Predictive validation
Environmental modelling,Data mining,Residual,Validation methods,Computer science,A priori and a posteriori,Predictive validity,Multilayer perceptron,Artificial intelligence,Artificial neural network,Machine learning,R package
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
92
C
1364-8152
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
2
0.36
17
Authors
7
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Greer B. Humphrey1141.02
Holger R. Maier273872.97
Wenyan Wu313815.75
Nick J. Mount451.16
Graeme C. Dandy544147.01
Robert J. Abrahart652.83
Christian W. Dawson7156.82