A simple method for detecting domino convergence and identifying salient genes within a genetic algorithm
Hal Stringer, Annie S. Wu · 2002
Within a genetic algorithm, all genes may not be created equal. This concept is the central idea explored in this paper. A second and equally important idea is that this inequality in gene importance or salience can be detected and identified within a GA. To support these ideas, a technique for directly measuring genetic diversity within a GA population and thereby indirectly measuring gene-specific importance is provided. Diversity graphs are offered as a powerful technique for visualizing measurement results. Our theories, metrics and tools are tested on GAs for two problem classes and four different selection methods. 1