aiqbench analysis
This study challenges the prevailing view that generalization in overparameterized networks is driven by a single implicit bias, demonstrating instead that the learning rate dynamically interpolates between norm minimization and sharpness. The authors prove that neither bias alone suffices to minimize generalization error, necessitating a more comprehensive framework that accounts for the interaction between these regularization forms. For researchers in optimization theory, this work provides a critical update to how we model the trade-offs inherent in gradient descent dynamics beyond the Edge-of-Stability regime.
Conflicting Biases at the Edge of Stability: Norm versus Sharpness Regularization
arXiv:2505.21423v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: The remarkable generalization properties of overparameterized networks are often attributed to implicit biases, such as norm minimization at small learning rates and low sharpness in the Edge-of-Stability regime. In this work, we argue that a comprehensive understanding of the generalization performance of gradient descent requires analyzing the interaction between these various forms of implicit regularization. We empirically demonstrate that the learning rate interpolates between low parameter norm and low sharpness of the trained model. We furthermore prove that neither implicit bias alone minimizes the generalization error for diagonal linear networks trained on a simple regression task. These findings demonstrate that focusing on a single implicit bias is insufficient to explain good generalization, and they motivate a broader view of implicit regularization that captures the dynamic trade-off between norm and sharpness induced by non-negligible learning rates.
Abstract:The remarkable generalization properties of overparameterized networks are often attributed to implicit biases, such as norm minimization at small learning rates and low sharpness in the Edge-of-Stability regime. In this work, we argue that a comprehensive understanding of the generalization performance of gradient descent requires analyzing the interaction between these various forms of implicit regularization. We empirically demonstrate that the learning rate interpolates between low parameter norm and low sharpness of the trained model. We furthermore prove that neither implicit bias alone minimizes the generalization error for diagonal linear networks trained on a simple regression task. These findings demonstrate that focusing on a single implicit bias is insufficient to explain good generalization, and they motivate a broader view of implicit regularization that captures the dynamic trade-off between norm and sharpness induced by non-negligible learning rates.
Machine Learning (cs.LG); Machine Learning (stat.ML)
arXiv:2505.21423 [cs.LG]
(or arXiv:2505.21423v3 [cs.LG] for this version)
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 149 words
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