FOR RELEASE JUNE 4, 2020

Methods 101: What is machine learning, and how does it work?

We explain the basics of machine learning – using computer programs to identify patterns in data – and how it allows researchers at the Center to analyze data on a large scale.

BY Kim Arias, Patrick van Kessel and Courtney Kennedy

FOR MEDIA OR OTHER INQUIRIES:

Communications Department
202.419.4372
www.pewresearch.org

RECOMMENDED CITATION

Pew Research Center, June 2020, "Methods 101: What is machine learning, and how does it work?"

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Table of contents

Methods 101: What is machine learning, and how does it work?

We explain the basics of machine learning – using computer programs to identify patterns in data – and how it allows researchers at the Center to analyze data on a large scale.

This video from our Methods 101 series explains the basics of machine learning – using computer programs to identify patterns in data – and how it allows researchers at the Center to analyze data on a large scale. To learn more about polling basics, watch our Methods 101 video series.