What is the best approach for training a model on panel data ? Which package on R?
In detail: should i use a time series data sampling year year of the panel as if it was time series or does it exist a good approach handling panel data in terms of sampling?
I try to use the object recipe() and workflow() to fit machine_learning models. I would like to compare their performance with other function that i create. Do you know if we can use any function (say x² + 2 x -3) with these objects in place of a machine_learning model (say neural_network)?
Training a model on panel data requires a thoughtful approach since panel datasets combine cross-sectional and time-series dimensions—typically data on multiple entities (like individuals, firms, or countries) observed over time.
Best Approach for Panel Data Modeling
Understand the Structure:
Panel data = Cross-sectional units (e.g., students, firms) Ă— Time dimension (e.g., years).
Unlike pure time-series, panel data allows you to control for heterogeneity across entities.
Recommended Techniques:
Use Fixed Effects or Random Effects models depending on the assumption about entity-specific variations.
Apply Pooled OLS cautiously—it ignores the panel structure and may bias results.
For machine learning models, consider feature engineering time lags or entity-based variables.
Sampling Strategy:
Don’t treat panel data like a standard time-series (unless analyzing one entity).
Instead, split your data entity-wise and time-aware, ensuring that the temporal order is preserved for each entity.
Avoid shuffling across timeframes, as it breaks temporal dependencies.
R Packages for Panel Data:
plm: Most popular for linear panel models (FE, RE, etc.).
lme4: For mixed-effects models.
data.table or dplyr: For managing large panel datasets efficiently.
caret, mlr3, or tidymodels: For integrating machine learning models (with careful sampling).
Bonus Tip:
If you’re working on machine learning models and looking for project ideas tailored to panel data or time-based datasets, check out this curated list of Machine Learning Projects for Final Year. It includes practical applications that often deal with temporal and cross-sectional patterns—perfect for students and researchers alike.
I would like help please to run a ML through a workflow but i receive error message that i think is related to the pipe |>
(error message: The pipe operator requires a function call as RHS (:8:1)) that i replaced by %>%
but still receive other error messages. Below is an example that i would ask for help to correct with other ML like SVM, xgboost etc if you have suggestions. Thank you.