This tutorial describes the meaning and use of Population Stability Index and Characteristic Analysis.
In simple words, Population Stability Index (PSI) compares the distribution of a scoring variable (predicted probability) in scoring data set to a training data set that was used to develop the model. The idea is to check "How the current scoring is compared to the predicted probability from training data set".
Use of Population Stability Index (PSI)
There are multiple uses of Population Stability Index (PSI). They are listed below -
How PSI is calculated?
Rules
Note : We can use chi-square for binned data or KS test to compare distribution of two data sets.
In simple words, Population Stability Index (PSI) compares the distribution of a scoring variable (predicted probability) in scoring data set to a training data set that was used to develop the model. The idea is to check "How the current scoring is compared to the predicted probability from training data set".
Use of Population Stability Index (PSI)
There are multiple uses of Population Stability Index (PSI). They are listed below -
- Model might be influenced by economic changes. Suppose you built a risk model during economic recession (year 2008) and you are using the same model to score datasets in year 2016. There is a high chance that various attributes of the model are changed drastically over last 8 years. It means it does not make sense to use this model anymore if features of the model are changed significantly.
- Change in product offerings due to internal policy changes. For example, one of your product are relaunched recently so attributes may behave differently as compared to attributes of your model.
- PSI can detect if any data integration or programming issues to run the scoring code.
How PSI is calculated?
PSI = (% of records based on scoring variable in Scoring Sample (A) - % of records based on scoring variable in Training Sample (B)) * In(A/ B)Steps
- Sort scoring variable on descending order in scoring sample
- Split the data into 10 or 20 groups (deciling)
- Calculate % of records in each group based on scoring sample
- Calculate % of records in each group based on training sample
- Calculate difference between Step 3 and Step 4
- Take Natural Log of (Step3 / Step4)
- Multiply Step5 and Step6
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| Population Stability Index |
Rules
- PSI < 0.1 - No change. You can continue using existing model.
- PSI >=0.1 but less than 0.2 - Slight change is required.
- PSI >=0.2 - Significant change is required. Ideally, you should not use this model any more.
To understand the cause of a change, we need to generate the characteristic analysis report.
Characteristic Analysis
It answers which variable is causing a shift in population distribution. It compares the distribution of an independent variable in the scoring data set to a development data set. It detects shifts in the distributions of input variables that are submitted for scoring over time.
It helps to determine which changing variable is most influential in causing the model score shift.
Most Important -
Check the direction of impact due to model variable shifts.
Check the signs of the shifted attributes and the average values of those attributes compared to those from the previously scored population or development sample. This will indicate whether the model attribute shifts are increasing or decreasing the model scores.
About Author:
Deepanshu founded ListenData with a simple objective - Make analytics easy to understand and follow. He has over 10 years of experience in data science. During his tenure, he has worked with global clients in various domains like Banking, Insurance, Private Equity, Telecom and Human Resource.
Thanks for this article !
ReplyGood article as well
Replythumbs up
ReplyIs there any rule for characteristic analysis just like mentioned in PSI.
ReplyHello sir,
ReplyVery nicely explaned.. i am big friend of listendata.. I have 2 questions:
1) psi>.25 then what will be next step.. what changes we will do to bring it back to acceptable range..
2) If VSI> .25 then are we going to remove that variable
Hello,
ReplyWhy here uses PSI>0,2.
value of 0.2 based on what?
if you see, PSI/CSI calculation is same as Information Value. so the thresholds can be understood the the same as Information value, PSI of 0.2 means an IV of 20. this suggests that the difference in population distribution across 2 vintages is as discriminatory as a variable with IV of 20%.
i didn't get it can you please elaborate it
HI Deepanshu,
ReplyI really love your blog.So is it possible for you to share a python script which calculate the population stability index(PSI) automatically.
Is it possible to calculate csi in python
ReplyCan you share CSI Code in Python?
Replyis it possible to built psi without training data
Replyso easy to understand and informative!
Reply