In hierarchical models, such as neural networks, there exist complex singular structures. The singularity is known to affect estimation performances and learning dynamics of the models. Recently, there have been a number of studies on properties of obtained estimators for the models, but there are few studies on the dynamical properties of learning used for obtaining the estimators. Using two-layer neural networks, we investigate influences of singularities on dynamics of standard gradient learning and natural gradient learning under various learning conditions. In the standard gradient learning, we found a quasi-plateau phenomenon, which is severer than the well known plateau in some cases. The slow convergence due to the quasi-plateau and plateau becomes extremely serious when an optimal point is in a neighborhood of a singularity. In the natural gradient learning, however, the quasi-plateau and plateau are not observed and convergence speed is hardly affected by singularity.
['Hyeyoung Park', 'Masato Inoue', 'Masato Okada']
Learning Dynamics of Neural Networks with Singularity – Standard Gradient vs. Natural Gradient