Paper ID: 2406.02612

Is Data Valuation Learnable and Interpretable?

Ou Wu, Weiyao Zhu, Mengyang Li

Measuring the value of individual samples is critical for many data-driven tasks, e.g., the training of a deep learning model. Recent literature witnesses the substantial efforts in developing data valuation methods. The primary data valuation methodology is based on the Shapley value from game theory, and various methods are proposed along this path. {Even though Shapley value-based valuation has solid theoretical basis, it is entirely an experiment-based approach and no valuation model has been constructed so far.} In addition, current data valuation methods ignore the interpretability of the output values, despite an interptable data valuation method is of great helpful for applications such as data pricing. This study aims to answer an important question: is data valuation learnable and interpretable? A learned valuation model have several desirable merits such as fixed number of parameters and knowledge reusability. An intrepretable data valuation model can explain why a sample is valuable or invaluable. To this end, two new data value modeling frameworks are proposed, in which a multi-layer perception~(MLP) and a new regression tree are utilized as specific base models for model training and interpretability, respectively. Extensive experiments are conducted on benchmark datasets. {The experimental results provide a positive answer for the question.} Our study opens up a new technical path for the assessing of data values. Large data valuation models can be built across many different data-driven tasks, which can promote the widespread application of data valuation.

Submitted: Jun 3, 2024