Information Gain in Decision Trees - Constructing A Decision Tree Using Information Gain

Constructing A Decision Tree Using Information Gain

A decision tree can be constructed top-down using the information gain in the following way:

  1. begin at the root node
  2. determine the attribute with the highest information gain which is not already used as an ancestor node
  3. add a child node for each possible value of that attribute
  4. attach all examples to the child node where the attribute values of the examples are identical to the attribute value attached to the node
  5. if all examples attached to the child node can be classified uniquely add that classification to that node and mark it as leaf node
  6. go back to step two if there are unused attributes left, otherwise add the classification of most of the examples attached to the child node

Read more about this topic:  Information Gain In Decision Trees

Famous quotes containing the words constructing, decision, tree, information and/or gain:

    “The very hope of experimental philosophy, its expectation of constructing the sciences into a true philosophy of nature, is based on induction, or, if you please, the a priori presumption, that physical causation is universal; that the constitution of nature is written in its actual manifestations, and needs only to be deciphered by experimental and inductive research; that it is not a latent invisible writing, to be brought out by the magic of mental anticipation or metaphysical mediation.”
    —Chauncey Wright (1830–1875)

    “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.”
    —Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)

    “The great pines stand at a considerable distance from each other. Each tree grows alone, murmurs alone, thinks alone. They do not intrude upon each other. The Navajos are not much in the habit of giving or of asking help. Their language is not a communicative one, and they never attempt an interchange of personality in speech. Over their forests there is the same inexorable reserve. Each tree has its exalted power to bear.”
    —Willa Cather (1873–1947)

    “Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.”
    —Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

    ““What have I gained?”
    “Experience,” said Holmes, laughing. “Indirectly it may be of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your existence.””
    —Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)