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What's the best way to handle missing values in a dataset for machine learning? Pending Review
Asked on Jan 12, 2026
Answer
Handling missing values is crucial for preparing a dataset for machine learning, as they can affect the performance of your model. The best approach depends on the nature of your data and the extent of missingness.
Example Concept: Common strategies for handling missing values include deletion, imputation, and using algorithms that support missing values. Deletion involves removing rows or columns with missing data, which is suitable when the proportion of missing data is small. Imputation involves filling in missing values with statistical measures like mean, median, or using more sophisticated techniques like K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) or regression models. Some machine learning algorithms, like decision trees, can handle missing values internally without the need for imputation.
Additional Comment:
- Assess the amount and pattern of missing data before deciding on a strategy.
- Use deletion cautiously, as it can lead to loss of important information.
- Imputation can introduce bias; choose methods that best fit the data distribution.
- Consider using models that are robust to missing data if feasible.
- Always evaluate the impact of missing data handling on model performance.
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