08. Decision Trees
AI For Trading C1 L4 A07 Decision Trees V2
Understanding Decision Trees
Decision trees are a method for predicting outcomes through splitting input data based on different variables.
Predicting Outcomes:
- Used for classification tasks like determining the type of fruit based on characteristics.
- Involves discrete outcomes (e.g., two or more classes like apples, bananas, or grapes).
Tree Structure:
- Branches: Represent decisions based on input variables (e.g., color, shape).
- Nodes and Leaves: Ends or decisions made after data splits (e.g., final classification).
Splitting Algorithms:
- Aim to minimize impurity in the classification (e.g., using gini impurity).
- Data divided to ensure groups have similar types (e.g., fruit type).
Advantages in Trading Models:
- Handles complex interactions and nonlinear data relationships effectively.
- Aids in understanding financial data beyond simple correlations (e.g., profitability and return).
Transparency and Interpretability:
- Decision trees resemble human decision-making steps.
- Each step's logic clear to investors, enhancing trust.