Association rule learning Machine Learning
noun phrase
Definition: A rule-based unsupervised learning and data mining method used to discover recurring relationships, co-occurrence patterns, and dependency rules among items or variables in large datasets. It is typically applied to transactional data and aims to identify strong if–then patterns, often evaluated by measures such as support and confidence. IBM describes association rules as an if/then method for finding relationships between variables in a dataset, and IBM’s Apriori overview explicitly characterizes Apriori as an unsupervised algorithm used for association rule learning [IBM].
Example in context: “Association rule learning (ARL), as a classic solution, explores relationships among co-purchased products.” [Luo et al. 2024]
Synonym: association rule mining; ARL
Related terms: association rule; frequent itemset mining; market basket analysis; Apriori algorithm; support; confidence; lift