Software Defect Prediction Using Ensemble Learning: An ANP Based Evaluation Method

Software defect prediction (SDP) is the process of predicting defects in software modules, it identifies the modules that are defective and require extensive testing. Classification algorithms that help to predict software defects play a major role in software engineering process. Some studies have depicted that the use of ensembles is often more accurate than using single classifiers. However, variations exist from studies, which posited that the efficiency of learning algorithms might vary using different performance measures. This is because most studies on SDP consider the accuracy of the model or classifier above other performance metrics. This paper evaluated the performance of single classifiers (SMO, MLP, k NN and Decision Tree) and ensembles (Bagging, Boosting, Stacking and Voting) in SDP considering major performance metrics using Analytic Network Process (ANP) multi-criteria decision method. The experiment was based on 11 performance metrics over 11 software defect datasets. Boosted SMO, Voting and Stacking Ensemble methods ranked highest with a priority level of 0.0493, 0.0493 and 0.0445 respectively. Decision tree ranked highest in single classifiers with 0.0410. These clearly show that ensemble methods can give better classification results in SDP and Boosting method gave the best result. In essence, it is valid to say that before deciding which model or classifier is better for software defect prediction, all performance metrics should be considered. Keywords — Data mining, Machine Learning,  Multi Criteria Decision Making, Software Defect Prediction