Towards Measuring Representational Similarity of Large Language Models
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Abstract (arXiv)
Understanding the similarity of the numerous released large language models (LLMs) has many uses, e.g., simplifying model selection, detecting illegal model reuse, and advancing our understanding of what makes LLMs perform well. In this work, we measure the similarity of representations of a set of LLMs with 7B parameters. Our results suggest that some LLMs are substantially different from others. We identify challenges of using representational similarity measures that suggest the need of careful study of similarity scores to avoid false conclusions.
Key facts. Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 7 Oct 2026). Builds on 33 of its 48 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 5 Dec 2023.
Builds on
33 of 48 references.
References · 33
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21 more
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Built on by
Citing papers per year: 2024: 1; 2025: 3; 2026: 1.
5 papers.
- 2024Objective drives the consistency of representational similarity across datasetscited by 16
- 2025Layers at Similar Depths Generate Similar Activations Across LLM Architecturescited by 11
- 2025Linear Representation Transferability Hypothesis: Leveraging Small Models to Steer Large Modelscited by 6
- 2025Causes and Consequences of Representational Similarity in Machine Learning Modelscited by 1
- 2026Do Reasoning Models Enhance Embedding Models?cited by 0
- 2026Do Reasoning Models Enhance Embedding Models?29 Jan 2026
- 2025Linear Representation Transferability Hypothesis: Leveraging Small Models to Steer Large Models31 May 2025
- 2025Causes and Consequences of Representational Similarity in Machine Learning Models20 May 2025
- 2025Layers at Similar Depths Generate Similar Activations Across LLM Architectures3 Apr 2025
- 2024Objective drives the consistency of representational similarity across datasets8 Nov 2024