Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 8, pp. 155-167. 1992 Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. 0747-5632,92 $5.00 + .OO Copyright Q 1992 Pergamon Press Ltd. The Construction of Computerized Classification Systems Using Machine Learning Algorithms: An Overview Dean McKenzie Monash University Lee Hun Low NH & MRC Schizophrenia Research Unit, Melbourne, Australia zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgf Abstract - zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA Although there are several microcomputer programs that are concerned with the automatic induction or machine learning of classification rules, the techniques seem to have been largely ignored in favor of conventional parametric procedures. Various machine learning algorithms are discussed, and the available evidence comparing their performance with linear discriminant function (LDF) analysis is reviewed. Although far more research is required, there are indications that machine learning algorithms are capable of giving better results than LDF. Similar algorithms known as automatic interaction detectors, originally employed in the field of survey analysis, are also examined. It is concluded that a computer program representing a synthesis of machine learning techniques, conventional statistical methods, and automatic interaction detectors should be developed. The greater availability of computers in the last decade coupled with advances in statistical methods and artificial intelligence means that humans can be increasing- ly aided in their decision making. More formally, computers can aid in discrimina- tion and classification. In a comprehensive though perhaps somewhat mathemati- cally demanding treatise, Hand (1981) defines discrimination as “the process of deriving classification rules from samples of classified objects” (i.e., for whom the outcome or group membership is known), while classification refers to “applying the rules to new objects of unknown class” (p. 2). Requests for reprints should be addressed to Dean McKenzie, Monash Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal Park Hospital, Private Bag 3, PO. Parkville, Victoria, Australia 3052. 155