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Oral

Position: Embracing Negative Results in Machine Learning

Florian Karl · Malte Kemeter · Gabriel Dax · Paulina Sierak

Hall A1
[ ] [ Visit Oral 1B Positions on How We Do Machine Learning Research ]
Tue 23 Jul 1:30 a.m. — 1:45 a.m. PDT
[ Slides

Abstract:

Publications proposing novel machine learning methods are often primarily rated by exhibited predictive performance on selected problems. In this position paper we argue that predictive performance alone is not a good indicator for the worth of a publication. Using it as such even fosters problems like inefficiencies of the machine learning research community as a whole and setting wrong incentives for researchers. We therefore put out a call for the publication of ``negative'' results, which can help alleviate some of these problems and improve the scientific output of the machine learning research community. To substantiate our position, we present the advantages of publishing negative results and provide concrete measures for the community to move towards a paradigm where their publication is normalized.

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