Towards Hebbian learning of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps in pattern classification problems

► We study the performance of Hebbian algorithms in training FCM classifiers. ► We analyze the influence of FCM classifier’s structural parameters (hidden nodes). ► We study the effect of class mapping, weight initialization and data ordering. ► We compare the performance of Hebbian algorithms with that of Genetic algorithms. A detailed comparative analysis of the Hebbian-like learning algorithms applied to train Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) operating as pattern classifiers, is presented in this paper. These algorithms aim to find appropriate weights between the concepts of the FCM classifier so it equilibrates to a desired state (class mapping). For these purposes, six different types of Hebbian learning algorithms from the literature have been selected and studied in this work. Along with the theoretical description of these algorithms and the analysis of their performance in classifying known patterns, a sensitivity analysis of the applied classification scheme, regarding some configuration parameters have taken place. It is worth noting that the algorithms are studied in a comparative fashion, under common configurations for several benchmark pattern classification datasets, by resulting to useful conclusions about their training capabilities.