The Influence of Genetic Algorithms on Learning Possibilities of Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract

The presented research study focuses on demonstrating the learning ability of a neural network using a genetic algorithm and finding the most suitable neural network topology for solving a demonstration problem. The network topology is significantly dependent on the level of generalization. More robust topology of a neural network is usually more suitable for particular details in the training set and it loses the ability to abstract general information. Therefore, we often design the network topology by taking into the account the required generalization, rather than the aspect of theoretical calculations. The next part of the article presents research whether a modification of the parameters of the genetic algorithm can achieve optimization and acceleration of the neural network learning process. The function of the neural network and its learning by using the genetic algorithm is demonstrated in a program for solving a computer game. The research focuses mainly on the assessment of the influence of changes in neural networks’ topology and changes in parameters in genetic algorithm on the achieved results and speed of neural network training. The achieved results are statistically presented and compared depending on the network topology and changes in the learning algorithm.