Modelling Environment: How do I create a Decision Tree within the Modelling Environment?

Creating a Decision Tree uses the same basic steps as if you opened the Decision Tree tool direct.  By generating the Decision Tree model through the Modelling Environment you have the benefit of using the variable association and interaction options to enhance the preparation stage.

  1. Drag the Modelling Environment tool on to the workspace

  2. Drag the selections on to the Selections tab you wish to use in the Decision Tree.  Tick the boxes against the selections you have determined to be the Base and Analysis groups

    N.B. A selection of all records will be generated automatically and be set to be the default Base selection.  Change what is an Analysis or Base group by clicking in the cell of the Type column.

  3. Click on the Dimensions tab and drag on the variables you wish to use in the analysis

At this stage you can use the association option to determine which variables to use or how they look.  Interaction variables are not allowed and are not really that useful in a Decision Tree model which naturally creates any important interactions that exist in the data as it creates its splits.

  1. Click the Build button (you can now review the Dimensions information)

  2. To generate the Decision Tree click on the button and the Decision Tree will be generated in a separate window

  3. Create the Decision Tree by clicking on the Build button in the Decision Tree window

This Decision Tree will be recorded on the Results tab of the Modelling Environment.  This Results area will also record the creations of your Profiles and Clusters during this session. Each time you build these tools a new entry will be added recording the changes and new results you have found.  This allows you to create a history or development trail for your modelling.  You can reopen a Decision Tree that you have previously created by either dragging it off the results area, or doing a right click and “View a Copy”.