发现大模型采样存在多样性与稳定性权衡,影响实际应用效果。
D-Models and E-Models: Diversity-Stability Trade-offs in the Sampling Behavior of Large Language Models
- 通过控制实验区分出D型与E型模型,分别对应高波动与低波动采样行为。
- E型模型在代码生成和推荐任务中更稳定且更贴近真实需求分布。
- 为推荐、搜索等场景提供选型依据,平衡多样性与可靠性。
大语言模型(LLM)预测下一个词的概率(P_token)与任务层面的目标分布(P_task)——如信息相关性、产品购买概率、动作执行概率——密切相关。尽管LLM能生成接近真实分布的样本,但其细粒度采样概率是否准确匹配任务需求仍不明朗。通过受控的分布采样模拟,我们揭示了模型行为的显著二分现象:D模型(如Qwen-2.5)表现出大跨度的逐步波动,与P_task对齐较差;而E模型(如Mistral-Small)则具有更稳定的P_token,与P_task匹配更好。在代码生成和推荐等下游任务中,两种模型展现出系统性的多样性与稳定性权衡。进一步分析两类模型的内部特性,揭示其机制差异。这些发现为理解LLM的采样概率行为提供了基础洞见,并指导实际应用中根据需求选择D型或E型模型。对于推荐、搜索及对话代理等网络级应用,本研究为模型选型与配置提供依据,以在现实不确定性下实现多样性与可靠性的更好平衡。
原文摘要 · Abstract (English)
The predictive probability of the next token (P_token) in large language models (LLMs) is inextricably linked to the probability of relevance for the next piece of information, the purchase probability of the next product, and the execution probability of the next action-all of which fall under the scope of the task-level target distribution (P_task). While LLMs are known to generate samples that approximate real-world distributions, whether their fine-grained sampling probabilities faithfully align with task requirements remains an open question. Through controlled distribution-sampling simulations, we uncover a striking dichotomy in LLM behavior, distinguishing two model types: D-models (e.g. Qwen-2.5), whose P_token exhibits large step-to-step variability and poor alignment with P_task; and E-models (e.g. Mistral-Small), whose P_token is more stable and better aligned with P_task. We further evaluate these two model types in downstream tasks such as code generation and recommendation, revealing systematic trade-offs between diversity and stability that shape task outcomes. Finally, we analyze the internal properties of both model families to probe their underlying mechanisms. These findings offer foundational insights into the probabilistic sampling behavior of LLMs and provide practical guidance on when to favor D- versus E-models. For web-scale applications, including recommendation, search, and conversational agents, our results inform model selection and configuration to balance diversity with reliability under real-world uncertainty, providing a better level of interpretation.
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