The correct answer is: A. The autonomous acquisition of knowledge through the use of computer programs.
Machine learning is the study of computer algorithms that can improve automatically through experience and by the use of data. It is seen as a subset of artificial intelligence. Machine learning algorithms build a model based on sample data, known as “training data”, in order to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so.
Machine learning algorithms are used in a wide variety of applications, including spam filtering, web search engines, fraud detection, and self-driving cars.
Option B is incorrect because it refers to manual programs, which are not autonomous.
Option C is incorrect because it refers to selective acquisition of knowledge, which is not the same as autonomous acquisition of knowledge.
Option D is incorrect because it refers to selective acquisition of knowledge through the use of manual programs, which is not the same as autonomous acquisition of knowledge through the use of computer programs.