Machine Learning: Supervision Optional

Machine learning is defined as a subfield of computer science and artificial intelligence which "gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed" (source). Although the statistical techniques which underpin machine learning have existed for decades recent developments in technology such as the availability/affordability of cloud computing and the ability to store and manipulate big data have accelerated its adoption. This essay is meant to explore the most popular methods currently being employed by data scientists such as supervised and unsupervised methods to people with little to no understanding of the field. Supervised machine learning describes an instance where inputs along with the outputs are known. We know the beginning and the end of the story and the challenge is to find a function (story teller, if you will) which best approximates the output in a generalizable fashion.