Chapter 7
Tree Models
One method of predictive modeling, which we call tree models, but are also commonly referred to as decision trees or simply trees, generates a set of if-then rules that allow the use of predictor variables to predict target variables or make a decision. As a simple example of these types of decision rules, consider a rule used by a credit card company deciding whether to issue a Platinum Card to an applicant:
- “If monthly mortgage to income ratio is less than 28% and
- months posted late is less than 1, and
- salary is greater than $45,000,
- then issue a platinum card.”
The set of if-then rules for making the decision to issue an applicant a credit card can be graphically portrayed using a tree representation, as shown in
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