The Art of Taming AI: The Complete Tuning Manual

Preface

Remember those knobs on old stereos? With a slight turn, the sound could go from soft to deafening. AI models have similar "knobs", but they control not the volume, but the "personality" and "creativity" of the AI.

Imagine you have an AI friend. Sometimes you want it to be as accurate as an encyclopedia; sometimes you want it to be as imaginative as a mad poet. That's what we're going to talk about today - how to make AI dance according to your wishes by adjusting those mysterious parameters.

Whether you are a beginner or a fan of AI, this article will use vivid and interesting examples to help you unlock the various personalities of AI. Fasten your seat belts and let’s start this wonderful journey!

Content: Uncovering the personality switch of AI

1. Temperature

Value range : usually from 0 to 2.0, some models can be set higher.

The smaller the value (closer to 0) : the output is more certain, predictable, and conservative, and always chooses the next word with the highest probability. The larger the value (above 1.0) : the output is more random, diverse, and adventurous, and some words with lower probability will be considered.

If AI is a cup of coffee, temperature is its concentration.

Low temperature AI (value close to 0) : Like a cup of American coffee, sober, rigorous and meticulous.

?  Low Temperature Example: Write a recipe for a chocolate cake

Material:
- 200g butter
- 250g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 200g flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- Baking powder 10g

step:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Mix butter and sugar until fluffy
3. Add eggs and continue stirring
4. Sift in dry ingredients and mix gently
5. Pour into the mold and bake for 45 minutes

High temperature AI (values ​​close to 1 or higher) : Like a cup of Irish coffee, full of surprises and creativity, it may make you slightly tipsy.

?  High temperature example: Writing a recipe for a chocolate cake

Late Night Chocolate Temptation

Material:
- A stick of smiling butter (soft at room temperature, like your heart)
- Golden sugar from distant sugar cane fields (just the right sweetness, like first love)
- A few eggs laid by happy hens (they grew up listening to Mozart)
- Dreamy Flour (Sifted in the Moonlight)
- Mysterious Rainforest Cocoa Powder (with a hint of fruity aroma)
- A pinch of magic baking powder (to make the cake rise like a cloud)

Kitchen Adventure Steps:
1. Heat the oven to a high temperature (180°C, as warm as a summer afternoon)
2. Waltz the butter and sugar until they become fluffy clouds
3. Add each egg, make a wish, and stir 21 times
4. Gently embrace flour and cocoa powder, as tenderly as a newborn baby
5. Pour this liquid dream into the long-awaited cake mold
6. Let the oven work its magic for about 45 minutes, and remember to tap dance towards the kitchen

When the air is filled with the aroma of chocolate, you know that happiness is about to come.

Application scenarios :

• Hypothermia: Exam answers, legal documents, medical advice, programming questions
• High temperature: creative writing, brainstorming, role playing, poetry writing

2. Top-p (nuclear sampling)

Value range : 0 to 1.0

Smaller values ​​(such as 0.1-0.3) : Only the highest probability options are considered, and the output is more conservative and predictive. Larger values ​​(such as 0.8-1.0) : More possibilities are considered, and the output is richer and more diverse, but may not be as focused.

Imagine the AI ​​is playing a game of "guess the next word". Top-p determines how many possibilities it will consider.

Low Top-p value (such as 0.3) : AI only looks at the most likely options, like wearing a blinder, with a narrow but focused vision.

High Top-p value (such as 0.9) : AI will consider more possibilities, have a broader vision, be more creative but may be less focused.

?  Example: Complete the sentence "Today's weather is really..."

Possible answers with low Top-p (0.3):

• "It's a really nice day today."
• "It's a really nice day today."
• "The weather is terrible today."

Possible answers with high Top-p (0.9):

• "Today's weather is so unpredictable, like a capricious child."
• "Today is a perfect day to wrap up in a blanket and read an old romance novel."
• "Today's weather really reminds me of the bowl of hot soup my grandma made."

Application scenarios :

• Low Top-p: technical documents, academic papers, news reports
• High Top-p: Creative writing, brand storytelling, marketing copywriting

3. Top-k

Value range : 1 to any positive integer, commonly used range is 10-100

The smaller the value (such as 5-10) : the selection range is very narrow, only the words with the highest probability are considered, and the output is very conservative. The larger the value (such as 50-100) : the selection range is wide, many possibilities are considered, and the output is more diverse but may not be as accurate.

If AI is ordering food at a restaurant, Top-k determines how many dishes are available on the menu.

Low Top-k value (such as 10) : There are only 10 "signature dishes" to choose from, with few choices but all are "chef recommended".

High Top-k value (such as 50) : There are 50 dishes to choose from, including some creative dishes, with a wide range of choices but possibly some "experimental" flavors.

?  Example: Describing a cat

Low Top-k(10): "This cat has orange fur and green eyes. It likes to chase balls and often basks in the sun on the windowsill. It is a typical house cat."

Gao Top-k (50): "This mysterious orange elf, with eyes that sparkle like emeralds, walks on tiptoe in the moonlight, as if performing some ancient ritual. It is both a philosopher on the windowsill and a poet on the pillow. It is a lazy king during the day and a curious explorer at night."

Application scenarios :

• Low Top-k: Customer service replies, product descriptions, technical support
• High Top-k: Novel writing, character design, creative advertising

4. Repeated punishment

Value range : 1.0 to 2.0 (some implementations may support higher values)

Value equal to 1.0 : no penalty, no special avoidance of repetition. Larger values ​​(such as 1.3-2.0) : more severe penalties, less likely to repeat words and phrases that have already appeared.

Imagine a storyteller who keeps repeating the same word. Wouldn't that be boring? The repetition penalty is to prevent the AI ​​from falling into the "repeater" mode.

Low repetition penalty : The AI ​​may behave like an excited child, constantly repeating its favorite words.

High repetition penalty : AI will act like a vocabulary master and try to avoid using the same words repeatedly.

?  Example: Describing a thriller movie

Low repetition penalty (close to 1.0): "This is a very scary movie, with many scary scenes, scary music, and scary characters. The whole story is very scary and makes people feel very scared."

High repetition penalty (e.g. 1.5): "This thriller is full of creepy scenes, accompanied by a creepy soundtrack, and portrays several chilling characters. The whole narrative is full of tension, making the audience feel terrified and uneasy all the time. After watching it at night, you may have to sleep with the lights on."

Application scenarios :

• High repetition penalty: long articles, novels, speeches, product descriptions

5. Frequency Penalty

Value range : 0 to 2.0

Value equal to 0 : no penalty, no special avoidance of high-frequency words. Larger values ​​(such as 0.8-2.0) : more strict avoidance of frequently occurring words, forcing the use of a more diverse vocabulary.

Frequency penalties prevent the AI ​​from becoming overly reliant on certain "favorite words".

?  Example: Describing a new mobile phone

Low frequency penalty (close to 0): "This phone is very easy to use, the screen is good, the camera is good, the battery is good, in short, everything is good."

High frequency penalty (e.g. 1.5): "This phone operates smoothly, has a bright and clear screen, a sharp camera, a long battery life, and excellent overall performance."

Application scenarios :

• High frequency penalties: professional reviews, advertising copy, product descriptions

6. There is a penalty

Value range : 0 to 2.0

Value equal to 0 : No penalty, may always focus on the same topic content. The larger the value (such as 0.8-2.0) : The more encouraged to explore new topics and content, avoid focusing too much on the content that has been mentioned.

Existence penalties encourage the AI ​​to explore new areas, rather than just sticking with what has already been mentioned.

Example  : Describing a travel experience

Low Presence Penalty (close to 0): "The trip to Paris was great, the Eiffel Tower was beautiful, the food in Paris was delicious, the hotels in Paris were comfortable, and the people in Paris were friendly."

High Existence Penalty (such as 1.5): "A trip to Paris is full of surprises: overlooking the panoramic view of the city from the Eiffel Tower in the morning, tasting authentic croissants in a small cafe in Montmartre in the afternoon, strolling along the Seine River in the evening to feel the artistic atmosphere, and enjoying a thrilling performance at the opera house at night. Even taking the subway has become a way to explore the soul of this city."

Application scenarios :

• High Existence Penalty: Travel Guide, Product Features, Comprehensive Reviews

The relationship between Top-k and Top-p: double insurance

Imagine you are choosing dinner:

• Top-k means: "I only consider the top k dishes on the menu"
• Top-p means: "I only consider the most popular dishes that account for the top p% of menu sales"

They can be used together or separately:

?  Combined application of Top-k and Top-p :

• Use Top-k and then Top-p : first select the k words with the highest probability, and then select the words with cumulative probability reaching p.
• Use Top-p then Top-k : first select the words with cumulative probability p, then select the k words with the highest probability.

?  Example: Describing spring

Using only Top-k(10):

"Spring is here. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, the grass is green, people are walking outside, children are playing, and the spring rains are nourishing the earth."

Using only Top-p(0.7):

"The breath of spring quietly permeates every corner of the city. Tender green buds adorn the branches, the breeze is mixed with the fragrance of flowers, hibernating life gradually awakens, and the earth is covered with a layer of new vibrant clothes."

Combined with Top-k(20)+Top-p(0.8):

"The season of rebirth has arrived. Trees are green, gardens are blooming, and the warm breezes are blowing across our faces, bringing the scent of earth and flowers. The silence of winter is broken, and the songs of birds and the laughter of children weave a unique symphony of spring."

Recommended use :

• For scenes that require controllable and high-quality output, both can be used at the same time.
• Top-k is more suitable for scenarios that require precise output
• Top-p is more suitable for scenes that require creativity and diversity

Comparison and coordination of three penalty mechanisms

Imagine three different language teachers, each with their own strengths:

• Repeat Punishment Teacher : "Don't use that word again!" (focus on short-term memory)
• Frequency Penalty Teacher : "Don't always use the word 'good', find a new word!" (Focus on word frequency statistics)
• Existence punishment teacher : "Speak something new, don't always talk about the same topic!" (Focus on topic expansion)

?  The synergistic effect of the three penalties :

When the three penalties work together:

• Repeat penalties ensure that mechanical repetition does not occur in the short term
• Frequency penalty ensures rich and diverse vocabulary in long texts
• Existence penalties ensure that content continues to introduce new elements and perspectives

?  Example: Write a paragraph about the sea

Using only the duplicate penalty (1.2):

"The sea is beautiful, the waves are lapping against the shore, the sun is shining on the water and it is sparkling. Seagulls are flying in the sky and fishing boats are sailing in the distance. The water is blue and the sky is blue too." (avoids direct repetition, but still monotonous)

Repeat penalty (1.2) + frequency penalty (1.5):

"The sea is magnificent and charming, with waves crashing against the golden beach and the sun dancing on the water, forming a dazzling light. Seagulls soar gracefully in the blue sky, and fishing boats in the distance sail quietly on the horizon." (More vocabulary, but limited content range)

All three penalties are used (repetition 1.2 + frequency 1.5 + existence 1.3):

"The sea in the early morning is quiet and mysterious, with mist covering the water and the occasional call of whales in the distance. As the sun rises, the sea surface glitters with golden light, and fishermen begin their day's fishing. Near noon, tourists arrive at the beach one after another, children build sand castles with laughter, and surfers challenge themselves in the huge waves in the distance. In the evening, the lights of the small restaurants on the beach are turned on, the aroma of barbecue mixes with the sea breeze, and people share today's experiences and gains under the starry sky." (Not only is the vocabulary rich, but it also introduces time changes and multiple activities)

Recommended use :

• Single article generation: All three penalties can be used moderately
• Short response: Mainly use repetition penalties
• Creative Writing: Focus on Frequency of Use and Existence Penalty
• Technical documentation: Use repetition and frequency penalties lightly, and reduce existence penalties

Practical application of combination punches (full version)

Different tasks require different combinations of parameters, just like a bartender mixing different alcohols and juices. Here is a more comprehensive combination example:

?‍? Serious customer service robot

• Temperature: 0.2 (based on facts)
• Top-p: 0.7 (relatively controllable)
• Top-k: 20 (limited to common responses)
• Duplicate Penalty: 1.1 (mild to avoid duplicates)
• Frequency Penalty: 1.0 (standard terminology allowed)
• Existence penalty: 0.8 (focus on solving the problem, no need for much expansion)

Sample response : "Hello, according to our refund policy, unopened products can be fully refunded within 7 days of purchase. Please send the product and purchase receipt to our return center at No. 23, Science and Technology Park, Haidian District, Beijing. After receiving the product, we will process your refund within 3-5 business days."

? Creative Story Robot

• Temperature: 0.9 (full of creativity)
• Top-p: 0.95 (considering more possibilities)
• Top-k: 50 (wide range of word selection)
• Duplicate penalty: 1.3 (strongly avoid duplicates)
• Frequency penalty: 1.4 (encourages the use of rich vocabulary)
• Existence penalty: 1.5 (new elements are constantly introduced)

Sample reply : "The moonlight was like water. In the attic of the old house, the dusty music box suddenly started to play by itself. The tune seemed to come from the depths of forgotten memories, with a hint of sweetness and an inexplicable sadness. Xiao Ai stopped and held her breath. Grandma once said that when the music box sings by itself without anyone touching it, it means that an old friend is visiting. Outside the window, an unknown bird chirped and flew towards the moon that was half covered by clouds. The sound of dripping water from the faucet came from the kitchen downstairs, crisp and rhythmic, as if playing a mysterious nocturne with the music box. Suddenly, a cold wind came in from the unopened window and blew the yellowed old photo in the frame on the bedside..."

? Brainstorming Assistant

• Temperature: 0.7 (balance between creativity and relevance)
• Top-k: 40 (diverse but relevant choices)
• Top-p: 0.85 (within the relevant range)
• Frequency penalty: 1.5 (enforces diverse vocabulary)
• Existence Penalty: 1.7 (maximize content diversity)
• Duplicate penalty: 1.2 (moderate to avoid duplicates)

Sample response : "Creative ideas to increase customer traffic to your coffee shop:

1. Mystery Cup Program: Customers may randomly receive a special drink from a hidden menu
2. Book Exchange Corner: Bring a book and leave with a new one
3. Rainy Day Discount: Bring an umbrella on rainy days to enjoy special discounts
4. Moonlight Concerts: small live music performances held monthly
5. Pet-friendly hours: Pets are allowed in during certain hours
6. Eco-Scorecard: Earn points for using reusable cups
7. Vocational skills workshops: short courses such as hand-books and flower arrangement
8. Sunrise Special: Special discounts from 6-7 am
9. Local Artist Display Wall: Provide wall space for local artists to display their works
10. Seasonal limited story cups: Each cup has the beginning of a story, and consumers can continue writing on social media

? Professional report generator

• Temperature: 0.3 (biased towards factual and accurate)
• Top-p: 0.8 (some flexibility)
• Top-k: 30 (moderate selection range)
• Duplicate penalty: 1.2 (avoid duplicate terms)
• Frequency penalty: 1.1 (mildly encourages vocabulary diversity)
• Existence penalty: 1.3 (encourages comprehensive coverage of topics)

Sample response :

"Market Analysis Report for the First Quarter of 2024

Key findings: • Mobile payment usage increased by 23% year-on-year, exceeding the industry's expected growth rate of 15% • The consumption frequency of users aged 25-34 increased most significantly, with an average increase of 2.7 transactions per week • The conversion rate of promotional activities was 18.5%, an increase of 3 percentage points from the previous quarter

Market trends: Consumer behavior is leaning towards convenience and personalized experience. Data shows that the time spent in the app is positively correlated with the amount of consumption. For every 5 minutes of stay, the average order amount increases by about 12 yuan. For the first time, the proportion of nighttime consumption (21:00-23:00) in total transaction volume exceeded the peak period at noon.

Competitive analysis: Our main competitors have strong performance in user retention, but we are 8 percentage points ahead of the market in first-time purchase conversion rate. Price sensitivity testing shows that our target customers are highly receptive to price fluctuations within 5%.

Recommended actions:

1. Optimize exclusive nighttime discount strategies to seize emerging consumption periods
2. Strengthen the content construction within the application to extend the user stay time
3. Develop a membership loyalty program for the 25-34 year old user group
4. Adjust product pricing strategy and test a small increase in prices for high-demand products"

Summarize

Now, you have mastered the secret of AI's "personality switch"! Just like training a smart pet, you can adjust these parameters to make AI serious or imaginative.

If you want precise answers, lower the temperature and narrow the Top-p and Top-k; if you want creative sparks, raise the temperature and expand the sampling range; if you want a fluent long article, increase the repetition penalty and frequency penalty; if you want a comprehensive analysis, increase the existence penalty.

The golden rules for parameters to work together :

• Temperature is the general commander, determining the overall degree of creativity
• Top-k and Top-p are screening officers that determine the scope of candidate words
• The three penalties are language coaches, shaping the style and diversity of expression

Parameter quick lookup table :

Remember, there is no perfect combination of parameters, and the best settings depend on your specific needs. Just like cooking, sometimes you need a precise recipe, and other times you can just be creative.

In practice, these simple guidelines can be followed:

• Factual content: low temperature (0.1-0.3) + moderate Top-p (0.5-0.7) + low frequency penalty (0-0.5)
• Creative content: high temperature (0.7-1.0) + high Top-p (0.9-1.0) + high existence penalty (1.5-2.0)
• Long content: Medium temperature (0.5-0.7) + All penalties are used in moderation (1.1-1.5)
• Technical content: low temperature (0.2-0.4) + low Top-k (10-20) + low repetition penalty (1.1-1.3)