📚 Learning Guide
Multi-class Loss Functions
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Which of the following loss functions would be most appropriate for a multi-class classification problem where the goal is to maximize the margin between classes?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
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2
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3
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Choose the Best Answer

A

Hinge Loss

B

Neyman-Pearson Loss

C

Logistic Loss

D

Squared Error Loss

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

The most suitable loss is the multiclass hinge loss, also called the structured SVM loss. It penalises predictions that are not at least a margin away from the correct class, encouraging a clear separation between classes. The loss is zero when the correct class scores higher than all others by a specified margin; otherwise it grows linearly with the violation. For example, if the correct class has score 5 and the highest competing class has score 3 with margin 1, the loss is \(5-3+1=3\). This hinge‑style penalty directly enforces a margin between classes.

Detailed Explanation

That loss pushes each class away from the others. Other options are incorrect because Neyman-Pearson Loss focuses on balancing false positives and negatives; Logistic loss gives probabilities.

Key Concepts

Multi-class Loss Functions
Margin Maximization
Classification Models
Topic

Multi-class Loss Functions

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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