One method proposed for improving the generalization capability of a feedforward network trained with the backpropagation algorithm is to use artificial training vectors which are obtained by adding noise to the original training vectors. We discuss the connection of such backpropagation training with noise to kernel density and kernel regression estimation. We compare by simulated examples (1) backpropagation, (2) backpropagation with noise, and (3) kernel regression in mapping estimation and pattern classification contexts.

One method proposed for improving the generalization capability of a feedforward networktrained with the backpropagation algorithm is to use artificial training vectors which are obtained by adding noise to the original trainingvectors. We discuss the connection of such backpropagation training with noise to kernel density and kernel regression estimation. We compare by simulated examples (1) backpropagation, (2) backpropagation with noise, and (3) kernel regression in mapping estimation and pattern classification contexts.