What is feature engineering in machine learning used for?

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Define Feature Engineering: It’s the process of creating or modifying features to improve model performance.

Evaluate Options:

A: Parameter tuning adjusts model hyperparameters (e.g., learning rate), not features.

B: Model interpretation (e.g., SHAP values) explains predictions, not feature creation.

C: Transforming features (e.g., normalizing, encoding) is the core of feature engineering—correct.

D: Understanding features occurs during exploration, not engineering.

Reasoning: Feature engineering directly manipulates data inputs (e.g., converting timestamps to day-of-week), distinct from tuning or interpretation.

Conclusion: C is the precise definition.

OCI Data Science documentation defines feature engineering as “the process of transforming raw data into features that better represent the underlying problem to the predictive models, resulting in improved model accuracy.” Examples include scaling or creating interaction terms, aligning with C. Other options (A, B, D) relate to different ML stages.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Data Science Documentation, "Feature Engineering Overview".