Effectiveness of a Decision Tree

A decision tree can help weigh several options in a question.

Though not everyone knows what a decision tree is, many people use a basic form of it to help decide on a course of action. It can be an effective tool in the thinking process because it helps the user arrange his ideas in an orderly fashion.

What Is a decision tree?

A decision tree is similar to this flow chart.

A decision tree is a graphical set of notes on processes or ideas, written down and connected with lines or arrows following the flow of thought. In scope it is similar to a flow chart or mind map.

Applications

The decision tree is used to map out processes, or to compare positive and negative aspects of a question to help the user reach a decision. With a decision tree, the user can chart out alternative courses of action.

Making Ideas Understandable

Part of a decision tree's effectiveness is because it is easy to understand, shows a progression of ideas with alternatives and consequences, and it can be useful even without much data.

Only As Good As The Data

There is nothing magic about a decision tree, and it is only as effective as the mind using it. The more thought and information that goes into a decision tree, the more useful it is.

Potential Problems

It is easy to load up a decision tree with nonessential information that does little more than distract the user or throw the whole decision-making process off track.

References

• Decision Making Confidence: Decision Trees Examples
• Arizona State University: Decision Tree Primer
• Paper Chace: 5 Myths About Decision Tree Analysis