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Learn Model-Specific vs. Model-Agnostic Methods | Core Concepts and Methods
Explainable AI (XAI) Basics

bookModel-Specific vs. Model-Agnostic Methods

Understanding the difference between model-specific and model-agnostic explainability methods is essential for choosing the right approach to interpret machine learning models. Model-specific methods are designed for particular types of models and take advantage of their internal structure. For example, decision trees can be easily visualized and interpreted because their decisions follow a clear, rule-based path from root to leaf. You can directly trace how features influence predictions by following the splits in the tree. On the other hand, model-agnostic methods are designed to work with any machine learning model, regardless of its internal mechanics. These techniques treat the model as a black boxβ€”they analyze the input-output relationship without requiring access to the model’s internal parameters or structure.

Popular model-agnostic techniques:

  • LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations);
  • SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations);
  • Permutation Feature Importance.

When deciding between model-specific and model-agnostic methods, consider their unique strengths and weaknesses. The following table summarizes key differences:

question mark

Which of the following best defines a model-agnostic explainability method?

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 2. ChapterΒ 2

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bookModel-Specific vs. Model-Agnostic Methods

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Understanding the difference between model-specific and model-agnostic explainability methods is essential for choosing the right approach to interpret machine learning models. Model-specific methods are designed for particular types of models and take advantage of their internal structure. For example, decision trees can be easily visualized and interpreted because their decisions follow a clear, rule-based path from root to leaf. You can directly trace how features influence predictions by following the splits in the tree. On the other hand, model-agnostic methods are designed to work with any machine learning model, regardless of its internal mechanics. These techniques treat the model as a black boxβ€”they analyze the input-output relationship without requiring access to the model’s internal parameters or structure.

Popular model-agnostic techniques:

  • LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations);
  • SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations);
  • Permutation Feature Importance.

When deciding between model-specific and model-agnostic methods, consider their unique strengths and weaknesses. The following table summarizes key differences:

question mark

Which of the following best defines a model-agnostic explainability method?

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 2. ChapterΒ 2
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