Abstract Machine learning is a branch of computer science that has the potential to transform epidemiologic sciences. Amid a growing focus on “Big Data,” it offers epidemiologists new tools to tackle problems for which classical methods are not well-suited. In order to critically evaluate the value of integrating machine learning algorithms and existing methods, however, it is essential to address language and technical barriers between the two fields that can make it difficult for epidemiologists to read and assess machine learning studies. Here, we provide an overview of the concepts and terminology used in machine learning literature, which encompasses a diverse set of tools with goals ranging from prediction to classification to clustering. We provide a brief introduction to 5 common machine learning algorithms and 4 ensemble-based approaches. We then summarize epidemiologic applications of machine learning techniques in the published literature. We recommend approaches to incorporate machine learning in epidemiologic research and discuss opportunities and challenges for integrating machine learning and existing epidemiologic research methods.

Qifang Bi

Katherine E Goodman

Joshua Kaminsky

Justin Lessler

American Journal of Epidemiology

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY 是历史最悠久，也是主要的流行病学期刊之一，致力于发表流行病学研究领域的实证研究结果、观点文章和方法论发展。使用流行病学数据的人，包括公共卫生工作者和临床医生。

The American Journal of Epidemiology is one of the oldest and most prominent journals in the field of epidemiology, dedicated to publishing empirical research findings, opinion articles, and methodological developments in epidemiology. Its readership includes public health professionals and clinicians who utilize epidemiological data.

《American Journal of Epidemiology》是历史最悠久且最重要的流行病学期刊之一，专注于发表流行病学领域的实证研究结果、观点文章和方法论的发展。该期刊的读者包括公共卫生工作者和临床医生，他们利用流行病学数据进行研究和实践。

Category	Quartile
医学	2
医学, 公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生	2

What is Machine Learning? A Primer for the Epidemiologist

ivySCI AI Smartly Parses PDF, Answers Researchers' Questions, and Helps You Understand Papers in Seconds

Journal Info

Category	Quartile
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH	1