Frequent Errors in Modeling by Machine Learning: A Prototype Case of Predicting the Timely Evolution of COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The development and application of machine learning (ML) methods have become so fast that almost nobody can follow their developments in every detail. It is no wonder that numerous errors and inconsistencies in their usage have also spread with a similar speed independently from the tasks: regression and classification. This work summarizes frequent errors committed by certain authors with the aim of helping scientists to avoid them. Methods: The principle of parsimony governs the train of thought. Fair method comparison can be completed with multicriteria decision-making techniques, preferably by the sum of ranking differences (SRD). Its coupling with analysis of variance (ANOVA) decomposes the effects of several factors. Earlier findings are summarized in a review-like manner: the abuse of the correlation coefficient and proper practices for model discrimination are also outlined. Results: Using an illustrative example, the correct practice and the methodology are summarized as guidelines for model discrimination, and for minimizing the prediction errors. The following factors are all prerequisites for successful modeling: proper data preprocessing, statistical tests, suitable performance parameters, appropriate degrees of freedom, fair comparison of models, and outlier detection, just to name a few. A checklist is provided in a tutorial manner on how to present ML modeling properly. The advocated practices are reviewed shortly in the discussion. Conclusions: Many of the errors can easily be filtered out with careful reviewing. Every authors’ responsibility is to adhere to the rules of modeling and validation. A representative sampling of recent literature outlines correct practices and emphasizes that no error-free publication exists.