Some Data- Mining Tools Like Decision Trees Are Good at Helping

question 64

Essay

Some data- mining tools like decision trees are good at helping users make sense out of vast quantities of data by simplifying the relationships being studied. Is it possible that sometimes these tools can generate results that oversimplify reality? How can we protect against this?

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Definitions:

Exxon

An American multinational oil and gas corporation, one of the world's largest publicly traded energy providers.

Dependency Theory

An economic theory suggesting that developing nations are dependent on developed nations and this dependency inhibits their growth and development.

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective that views social life as a competition, and focuses on the distribution of resources, power, and inequality as causes of conflict and social change.

Functionalism

A theoretical framework in sociology that emphasizes the interdependence of the parts of a society and their role in maintaining societal stability.