Understanding In-Context Learning from Repetitions

Jianhao Yan; Jin Xu; Chiyu Song; Chenming Wu; Yafu Li; Yue Zhang

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arXiv · 2310.00297

Understanding In-Context Learning from Repetitions

Jianhao Yan·Jin Xu·Chiyu Song·Chenming Wu·Yafu Li·Yue Zhang

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Abstract

This paper explores the elusive mechanism underpinning in-context learning in Large Language Models (LLMs). Our work provides a novel perspective by examining in-context learning via the lens of surface repetitions. We quantitatively investigate the role of surface features in text generation, and empirically establish the existence of \emph{token co-occurrence reinforcement}, a principle that strengthens the relationship between two tokens based on their contextual co-occurrences. By investigating the dual impacts of these features, our research illuminates the internal workings of in-context learning and expounds on the reasons for its failures. This paper provides an essential contribution to the understanding of in-context learning and its potential limitations, providing a fresh perspective on this exciting capability.

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BibTeX RIS

Jianhao Yan, Jin Xu, Chiyu Song, Chenming Wu, Yafu Li, Yue Zhang. 2023-09-30. Understanding In-Context Learning from Repetitions. https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.00297

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