Why is Cost Sensitive Learning Important in Epidemiology?
In epidemiological studies, the imbalance between different types of errors can be profound. For instance, a false negative in a disease outbreak detection system could delay a critical public health response, leading to widespread transmission. Conversely, a false positive might lead to unnecessary quarantine measures, economic loss, and public panic. Therefore, incorporating cost-sensitive learning helps to optimize decision-making by balancing these risks effectively.