Mathematical Methods in Feature Selection: A Review

Abstract

Feature selection is essential in machine learning and data science. Recently, there has been a growing effort to apply various mathematical methods to construct novel feature selection algorithms. In this study, we present a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of such techniques. We propose a new mathematical framework-based taxonomy to group the existing literature and provide an analysis of the research in each category from a mathematical perspective. The key frameworks discussed include variance-based methods, regularization methods, and Bayesian methods. By analyzing the strengths and limitations of each technique, we provide insights into their applicability across various domains. The review concludes with emerging trends and future research directions for mathematical methods in feature selection.