# On the Estimation of Entropy in the FastICA Algorithm

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1805.10206 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1805.10206/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 25 May 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Nonparametric Evaluation of Noisy ICA Solutions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.08468/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The fastICA method is a popular dimension reduction technique used to reveal patterns in data. Here we show both theoretically and in practice that the approximations used in fastICA can result in patterns not being successfully recognised. We demonstrate this problem using a two-dimensional example where a clear structure is immediately visible to the naked eye, but where the projection chosen by fastICA fails to reveal this structure. This implies that care is needed when applying fastICA. We discuss how the problem arises and how it is intrinsically connected to the approximations that form the basis of the computational efficiency of fastICA.