Challenge - How Can You Have a Sample that's Random but Also Deterministic for a Given Predictive Analytics Problem?
Let's create a representative sample of a dataset for a given predictive analytics problem, that's random enough but always the same, every time you run the sampling algorithm
Problem Definition
As data scientists, we're often faced with the challenge of creating a representative sample from our original dataset that's not only random but also deterministic. Having a deterministic sampling algorithm is incredibly useful for a couple of reasons:
Reproducibility: With a deterministic algorithm, you can replicate the same results every time, which is essential in predictive analytics where small changes can have significant effects on model performance.
Reliability: A deterministic approach ensures that your sample is always consistent and reliable, reducing the risk of introducing unwanted variability.
So, how do we achieve this? Given a predictive analytics problem with both feature variables and a target variable, our goal is to create a representative sample that's always the same and very similar to the original dataset. To do this, we can employ various heuristics and metrics to guide our sampling process. Please note that using an RNG with a predefined seed isn't an acceptable solution as it's too obvious!
When designing your sampling method, keep in mind that it should be:
Scalable: Your algorithm should be able to handle large datasets and perform well even with limited computational resources.
Easy to Use: The method should be straightforward to implement, with minimal complexity and no need for extensive expertise.
Given at least 5 potential answers to this challenge in the comments, I'll provide my own solution to this challenge. This will include a complete script file that demonstrates how to achieve a random yet deterministic sample from your original dataset. Stay tuned!
What's Your Approach?
Do you have a preferred method for creating a representative sample in predictive analytics? Share your strategies and experiences with me! Cheers