Connections between reinforcement learning with feedback,test-time scaling, and diffusion guidance: An anthology

Abstract

In this note, we reflect on several fundamental connections among widely used post-training techniques. We clarify some intimate connections and equivalences between reinforcement learning with human feedback, reinforcement learning with internal feedback, and test-time scaling (particularly soft best-of-$N$ sampling), while also illuminating intrinsic links between diffusion guidance and test-time scaling. Additionally, we introduce a resampling approach for alignment and reward-directed diffusion models, sidestepping the need for explicit reinforcement learning techniques.