---
title: "Methods 101: What is machine learning, and how does it work?"
description: "We explain the basics of machine learning – using computer programs to identify patterns in data – and how it allows researchers at the Center to analyze data on a large scale."
date: "2020-06-04"
authors:
  - name: "Kim Arias"
    job_title: "Former Video Lead"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/kim-arias/"
  - name: "Patrick van Kessel"
    job_title: "Former Senior Data Scientist"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/patrick-van-kessel/"
  - name: "Courtney Kennedy"
    job_title: "Vice President, Methods and Innovation"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/courtney-kennedy/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/data-labs/2020/06/04/video-what-is-machine-learning-and-how-does-it-work/"
---

# Methods 101: What is machine learning, and how does it work?

This video from our Methods 101 series explains the basics of machine learning – using computer programs to identify patterns in data – and how it allows researchers at the Center to analyze data on a large scale. To learn more about polling basics, watch our [Methods 101 video series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ9z-Af5ISavJpPlvdMU4T-etIDOUmldk).

- [Random Sampling](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2017/05/12/methods-101-video-random-sampling/)
- [Survey Question Wording](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2018/03/21/methods-101-video-question-wording/)
- [Mode effects](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2019/02/07/methods-101-mode-effects/)
- [What are nonprobability surveys?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2018/08/06/video-explainer-what-are-nonprobability-surveys/)
- [How is polling done around the world?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2019/07/16/video-how-is-polling-done-around-the-world/)
- [What is machine learning, and how does it work?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2020/06/04/video-what-is-machine-learning-and-how-does-it-work/)
- [Why have polls underestimated Donald Trump?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2025/11/20/video-why-have-polls-underestimated-donald-trump/)
- [How do polls work when no one answers the phone anymore?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2026/02/11/video-how-do-polls-work-when-no-one-answers-the-phone-anymore/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4KIW4O8bYM