Tight Generalization Bound for AdaBoost

Abstract:In this paper we show that the generalization error of AdaBoost is $\Theta\big(\tfrac{d\ln(n\gamma^{2}/d)}{n\gamma^2}+\tfrac{\ln(1/\delta)}{n}\big)$, where $\gamma$ is the advantage guaranteed by the weak learner, $d$ is the VC-dimension of the class containing the weak hypotheses, $n$ is the sample size, and $\delta$ is the confidence parameter. The contribution of this paper is the upper bound; the matching lower bound follows from prior work. The upper bound proof follows by combining the known fact that AdaBoost outputs a voting classifier whose voting function has zero empirical $\gamma/2$-margin loss with what is, to the best of our knowledge, a new margin-based generalization bound for voting classifiers.

Machine Learning (cs.LG)

arXiv:2607.26838 [cs.LG]

(or arXiv:2607.26838v1 [cs.LG] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2607.26838 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.