揭示神经网络训练中特征遗忘的快慢机制,解释为何长期训练会丢失已学特征。
Dichotomy of Feature Learning and Unlearning: Fast-Slow Analysis on Neural Networks with Stochastic Gradient Descent
- 用快慢动力学分析两层网络,第一层权重快速对齐,第二层缓慢演化。
- 发现数据非线性强度越强,特征遗忘越明显;初始第二层权重越大,越能抑制遗忘。
- 适用于理解大批次训练下深层网络的长期行为,适合理论学习者参考。
梯度驱动的神经网络训练常呈现复杂动态,其机理仍是理论机器学习的核心挑战。尤其近年来,特征遗忘——即网络在长时训练中逐步丧失先前学到的特征——受到关注。本文研究了大批次随机梯度下降下两层神经网络的无限宽极限,推导出具有不同时间尺度的微分方程,揭示了特征遗忘的发生机制与条件。具体而言,利用快慢动力学:第一层权重迅速对齐,第二层权重缓慢演化。临界流形上的流动方向由慢变量决定,从而判定是否发生特征遗忘。我们通过数值实验验证结果,并推导了特征遗忘的理论基础与标度律。主要发现包括:(i) 数据中主非线性项强度越大,越易引发特征遗忘;(ii) 第二层权重的初始尺度越大,越能缓解特征遗忘。技术上,分析依赖于Tensor Programs和奇异摄动理论。
原文摘要 · Abstract (English)
The dynamics of gradient-based training in neural networks often exhibit nontrivial structures; hence, understanding them remains a central challenge in theoretical machine learning. In particular, a concept of feature unlearning, in which a neural network progressively loses previously learned features over long training, has gained attention. In this study, we consider the infinite-width limit of a two-layer neural network updated with a large-batch stochastic gradient, then derive differential equations with different time scales, revealing the mechanism and conditions for feature unlearning to occur. Specifically, we utilize the fast-slow dynamics: while an alignment of first-layer weights develops rapidly, the second-layer weights develop slowly. The direction of a flow on a critical manifold, determined by the slow dynamics, decides whether feature unlearning occurs. We give numerical validation of the result, and derive theoretical grounding and scaling laws of the feature unlearning. Our results yield the following insights: (i) the strength of the primary nonlinear term in data induces the feature unlearning, and (ii) an initial scale of the second-layer weights mitigates the feature unlearning. Technically, our analysis utilizes Tensor Programs and the singular perturbation theory.
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