MATLABsolutions Logo
priyankasingh02 asked . 2021-06-17

How can I work with categorical variables in Neural Network Toolbox 6.0 (R2008a)?

I want to use the NEWSOM neural network for clustering. My dataset contains both numerical and categorical variables; in the documentation, however, I can only find how to work with numerical variables.
 

nominal , ordinal , classification , matlab , deep learning

Expert Answer

Neeta Dsouza answered . 2024-04-26 15:31:37

The ability to work with categorical variables is not available in the Neural Network Toolbox. It is supported with the Statistics Toolbox.
 
To work around this issue, you need to represent your categories as numerical values. In general there are two approaches:
 
1. Represent each category as an integer. For example if you have categories 'small', 'medium' and 'large' you could say 'small' = 0, 'medium' = 1, 'large' = 2. Although in general this idea should work fine when you only have categorical variables, you may need to pay attention to scaling when you also have numerical variables. The idea is that a numeric change for one input of the net (for example integers representing one of your categorical variables) should have roughly the same importance as the same numeric change to another input (for example one of your numerical variables). There are several tools in the Neural Network Toolbox that help you scale your inputs, see the "Processing Functions" section in the Neural Network Toolbox documentation.
 
Normally start with MAPMINMAX if this does not perform well you could try MAPSTD or possibly PROCESSPCA. You can apply these functions manually, or you can apply them automatically to an input by setting the 'processFcns' property for the input.
 
2. Use 1-of-N encoding. For example if you once again have the 'small', 'medium' and 'large' categories you could say 'small' = [1 0 0], 'medium' = [0 1 0], 'large' = [0 0 1]. When you use this method scaling should not be as much as an issue as in the other method. Also this type of encoding might work better for "unordered" categories. For small,medium,large assigning 0,1,2 in the other method seemed pretty straightforward but what if you have 'red', 'green', 'blue'? Then (for argument's sake ignoring frequency of light) there is no natural ordering so it is difficult to say whether 'red' = 0, 'green' = 1, 'blue' = 2 is better (will work better) than 'red' = 2, 'green' = 1, 'blue' = 0. The 1-of-N encoding 'red' = [1 0 0], 'green' = [0 1 0], 'blue'= [0 0 1], should not have this problem.


Not satisfied with the answer ?? ASK NOW

MOST VIEWED QUESTIONS

Recent Matlab Projects

Classification of Covid and Non-Covid Lungs CT-Scan using Deep Learning with MATLAB

Matlab simulation on Wind Energy system

Related Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

MATLAB offers tools for real-time AI applications, including Simulink for modeling and simulation. It can be used for developing algorithms and control systems for autonomous vehicles, robots, and other real-time AI systems.

MATLAB Online™ provides access to MATLAB® from your web browser. With MATLAB Online, your files are stored on MATLAB Drive™ and are available wherever you go. MATLAB Drive Connector synchronizes your files between your computers and MATLAB Online, providing offline access and eliminating the need to manually upload or download files. You can also run your files from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet by connecting to MathWorks® Cloud through the MATLAB Mobile™ app.

Yes, MATLAB provides tools and frameworks for deep learning, including the Deep Learning Toolbox. You can use MATLAB for tasks like building and training neural networks, image classification, and natural language processing.

MATLAB and Python are both popular choices for AI development. MATLAB is known for its ease of use in mathematical computations and its extensive toolbox for AI and machine learning. Python, on the other hand, has a vast ecosystem of libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch. The choice depends on your preferences and project requirements.

You can find support, discussion forums, and a community of MATLAB users on the MATLAB website, Matlansolutions forums, and other AI-related online communities. Remember that MATLAB's capabilities in AI and machine learning continue to evolve, so staying updated with the latest features and resources is essential for effective AI development using MATLAB.

Without any hesitation the answer to this question is NO. The service we offer is 100% legal, legitimate and won't make you a cheater. Read and discover exactly what an essay writing service is and how when used correctly, is a valuable teaching aid and no more akin to cheating than a tutor's 'model essay' or the many published essay guides available from your local book shop. You should use the work as a reference and should not hand over the exact copy of it.



Step By Step MATLAB Programming





Let's Do Python Programming




Optimization Techniques of Power System with Matlab Codes


Matlabsolutions.com provides guaranteed satisfaction with a commitment to complete the work within time. Combined with our meticulous work ethics and extensive domain experience, We are the ideal partner for all your homework/assignment needs. We pledge to provide 24*7 support to dissolve all your academic doubts. We are composed of 300+ esteemed Matlab and other experts who have been empanelled after extensive research and quality check.

Matlabsolutions.com provides undivided attention to each Matlab assignment order with a methodical approach to solution. Our network span is not restricted to US, UK and Australia rather extends to countries like Singapore, Canada and UAE. Our Matlab assignment help services include Image Processing Assignments, Electrical Engineering Assignments, Matlab homework help, Matlab Research Paper help, Matlab Simulink help. Get your work done at the best price in industry.

Get Instant 20% Off on Your Assignment

MATLAB SOLUTIONS


Let's discuss about any of your MATLAB Project. You need not worry with your Matlab Project, when we are here.

        

Quick Links


  Matlab Assignment Help
  Matlab Simulation Help
  Quantum Computing In Matlab
  Python Assignment Help
  MATLAB Exam Help
  Python Exam Help
  Maths Exam Help
  UAV Simulation

Links


  About Us
  Pay Now
  Blogs
  E-Books
  Answers
  Privacy Policy
  Careers
  Sitemap

Contact Us


   info@matlabsolutions.com
   +91-8299862833
   5th Floor,MSX Tower-2,Gr. Noida,India

     

Matlab Assignment Help by Countries

  Australia    UK    UAE    Singapore    Canada 
  New Zealand    Malaysia    USA    India    South Africa 
  Ireland    Saudi Arab    Qatar    Kuwait    Hongkong 


  
MATLAB Solutions
Rated 4.9/5 based on 5256 reviews

Copyright 2016-2023 www.matlabsolutions.com - All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer : Any type of help and guidance service given by us is just for reference purpose. We never ask any of our clients to submit our solution guide as it is, anywhere.