Journal Article

Mapping the learning curves of deep learning networks

Jiang, Yanru, Dale, Rick

2025

Overview

There is an important challenge in systematically interpreting the internal representations of deep neural networks (DNNs). Existing techniques are often less effective for non-tabular tasks, or they primarily focus on qualitative, ad-hoc interpretations of models. In response, this study introduces a cognitive science-inspired, multi-dimensional quantification and visualization approach that captures two temporal dimensions of model learning: the “information-processing trajectory” and the “developmental trajectory.” The former represents the influence of incoming signals on an agent’s decision-making, while the latter conceptualizes the gradual improvement in an agent’s performance throughout its lifespan. Tracking the learning curves of DNNs enables researchers to explicitly identify the model appropriateness of a given task, examine the properties of the underlying input signals, and assess the model’s alignment (or lack thereof) with human learning experiences. To illustrate this method, we conducted 750 runs of simulations on two temporal tasks: gesture detection and sentence classification, showcasing its applicability across different types of deep learning tasks. Using four descriptive metrics to quantify the mapped learning curves— start , end - start , max , t max —, we identified significant differences in learning patterns based on data sources and class distinctions (all p’s  <  .0001), the prominent role of spatial semantics in gesture learning, and larger information gains in language learning. We highlight three key insights gained from mapping learning curves: non-monotonic progress , pairwise comparisons , and domain distinctions . We reflect on the theoretical implications of this method for cognitive processing, language models and representations from multiple modalities.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Analysis / Biology and Life Sciences / Computational Biology / Computational linguistics / Computer and Information Sciences / Computer Simulation / Computer-generated environments / Deep Learning / Humans / Language processing / Learning Curve / Learning curves / Machine learning / Methods / Natural language interfaces / Neural networks / Neural Networks, Computer / Simulation methods / Social Sciences / Visualization (Computers)