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New research links Transformer optimization issues to gradient heterogeneity

A new research paper explores the optimization challenges of Transformer models, particularly in fine-tuning scenarios. The study identifies gradient heterogeneity, the variation in gradient norms across parameter blocks, as a key factor that, along with Hessian heterogeneity, hinders the convergence of standard gradient-based methods like SGD. The research suggests that adaptive optimizers such as Adam and sign-based methods like SignSGD are less sensitive to this heterogeneity. The paper also points to the placement of layer normalization, with Post-LN architectures showing particularly pronounced heterogeneity, as a significant influence on this issue. Experimental validation was conducted on Transformers used in both natural language processing and vision tasks. AI

IMPACT Identifies a key factor in Transformer optimization, potentially guiding future improvements in training efficiency and model performance.

RANK_REASON The cluster contains a research paper detailing theoretical analysis and experimental validation of optimization techniques for Transformer models. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]

Read on arXiv cs.AI →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

New research links Transformer optimization issues to gradient heterogeneity

COVERAGE [1]

  1. arXiv cs.AI TIER_1 Nederlands(NL) · Akiyoshi Tomihari, Issei Sato ·

    Gradient Heterogeneity Complements Hessian Heterogeneity in Transformer Optimization

    arXiv:2502.00213v5 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Transformers are difficult to optimize with stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and largely rely on adaptive optimizers such as Adam. Despite extensive efforts, the mechanisms behind Adam's advantage over SGD in Transformer …