Enhancing Automated Test Selection in Probabilistic Networks

Abstract

Most test-selection algorithms currently in use with probabilistic networks select variables myopically, that is, test variables are selected sequentially, on a one-by-one basis, based upon expected information gain. While myopic test selection is not realistic for many medical applications, non-myopic test selection, in which information gain would be computed for all combinations of variables, would be too demanding. We present three new test-selection algorithms for probabilistic networks, which all employ knowledge-based clusterings of variables; these are a myopic algorithm, a non-myopic algorithm and a semi-myopic algorithm. In a preliminary evaluation study, the semi-myopic algorithm proved to generate a satisfactory test strategy, with little computational burden.