A data scientist trains a random forest model using PROC HPFOREST in SAS and wants to limit the maximum number of leaf nodes in each tree to control overfitting. Which option accomplishes this?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation and Infographic
Here's the deal — b is correct because MAXDEPTH= in PROC HPFOREST limits the maximum number of levels (depth) in each tree, which directly controls the number of leaf nodes and prevents overfitting by constraining tree complexity. A (MAXTREES=) controls the number of trees in the forest, not tree depth.
Full explanation below image
Full Explanation
B is correct because MAXDEPTH= in PROC HPFOREST limits the maximum number of levels (depth) in each tree, which directly controls the number of leaf nodes and prevents overfitting by constraining tree complexity. A (MAXTREES=) controls the number of trees in the forest, not tree depth. C (LEAFSIZE=) sets the minimum number of observations required in a leaf, which is a different regularization mechanism. D (VARS_TO_TRY=) controls the number of candidate variables at each split, affecting diversity rather than depth.