Deep neural networks are lazy : on the inductive bias of deep learning

Abstract

Deep learning models exhibit superior generalization performance despite being heavily overparametrized. Although widely observed in practice, there is currently very little theoretical backing for such a phenomena. In this thesis, we propose a step forward towards understanding generalization in deep learning. We present evidence that deep neural networks have an inherent inductive bias that makes them inclined to learn generalizable hypotheses and avoid memorization. In this respect, we propose results that suggest that the inductive bias stems from neural networks being lazy: they tend to learn simpler rules first. We also propose a definition of simplicity in deep learning based on the implicit priors ingrained in deep neural networks.