Supervised clustering using decision trees and decision graphs: An ecological comparison

M.B. Dale, P.E.R. Dale and P. Tan

Ecological Modelling, 2007, vol. 204, issue 1, 70-78

Abstract: In this paper, we outline some of the problems in computer learning, particularly with respect to decision trees. We then consider how, in some cases, a decision graph may provide a solution to some of these problems. We compare a decision graph analysis with a decision tree analysis of salt marsh data, predicting predetermined vegetation types from environmental properties. All analyses use a minimum message length criterion to select an optimal model within a class, thereby avoiding subjective decisions. Minimum message length also provides a criterion for choosing between the model classes of tree and graph.

Keywords: Classification; Replication; Fragmentation; Prototypic concepts; Ecological understanding; Minimum message length (MML); Salt marsh (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:204:y:2007:i:1:p:70-78

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.12.021

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