A decision tree diagram is a visual representation of the decision-making process. It is a flowchart-like structure that helps in breaking down a complex decision into a series of smaller, more manageable decisions, leading to a final choice. The diagram is constructed using nodes and branches, where each node represents a point of decision and each branch represents the possible outcomes or subsequent decisions based on the previous one.

Constructing a Decision Tree Diagram

To create a decision tree diagram, you typically start with a single node, known as the root node, which represents the initial decision to be made. From this node, branches are drawn to represent all possible actions or outcomes. These branches lead to additional nodes, which can be decision nodes, chance nodes, or end nodes, each symbolizing different aspects of the decision-making process:

• Decision nodes, often depicted as squares, indicate a point where a choice must be made.

• Chance nodes, shown as circles, represent the uncertainty and the various outcomes that could occur.

• End nodes, marked by triangles, signify the final outcomes of the decision paths.