Evaluating the Efficacy of Deep Neural Networks in Reinforcement Learning Problems

Authors

  • Amir Girgis Jumeirah College, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Keywords:

Deep Neural Networks, Deep Reinforcement Learning, Model-based methods, Monte Carlo Tree Search, AlphaGo, Q-learning, Deep-Q Networks.

Abstract

The deep learning community has greatly progressed towards integrating deep neural nets with reinforcement learning, in what is termed ‘deep reinforcement learning.’ This project aims to investigate the importance of deep neural networks in reinforcement learning. It analyzes the role that deep learning plays in tackling a range of different reinforcement learning problems. By analyzing and evaluating different methods (like Monte Carlo Tree Searches and model-based methods), the project refutes the popular claim that deep reinforcement learning is always the best option to tackle certain problems and explores research papers that support this hypothesis. It identifies the current limitations of deep neural nets, such as overfitting, sparse/shaped reward functions, and sample inefficiency. The project also discusses the potential of Deep-Q Networks, and surprising results in various domains. Thus, in an attempt to compare the merits and problems of deep learning, the project determines the degree to which neural networks are useful in reinforcement learning problems, both now and in the future. Taking the AlphaGo algorithm (and how it beat world Go champion Lee Sedol) case study as a starting point, the project unveils the potential of deep reinforcement learning despite the many challenges it faces today. Therefore, it also aims to come to a conclusion about how deep neural nets in reinforcement learning is likely to develop in the future as data becomes increasingly available and hardware becomes cheaper.

References

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Published

2018-09-23

How to Cite

Girgis, A. (2018). Evaluating the Efficacy of Deep Neural Networks in Reinforcement Learning Problems. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 46(1), 260–272. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/4394

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Articles