A decision tree used for loan approvals is an example of which approach?

• A. Rule-Based
• B. Analytical AI
• C. Generative AI
• D. Hybrid AI

Answer: (A)

A decision tree relies on a sequence of explicit tests on input features, where each branch represents a yes/no decision and the leaf nodes output a final decision. This structure embodies clear, human-understandable rules—if the income is above a threshold and the credit score is high, approve; otherwise deny. That direct use of if-then rules is the defining characteristic of a rule-based approach, making it the best way to describe this model. It isn’t about generating new content (that would be generative AI), and while some systems can combine methods, a single decision tree is fundamentally a rule-driven method rather than a hybrid or purely analytical one.