Date:         Mon, 19 Jan 1998 10:55:50 -0500
Reply-To:     Thomas J Welander <tomwelander@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <SPSSX-L@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU>
From:         Thomas J Welander <tomwelander@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      seeking CHAID alternatives

Hey there,
I'm a CHAID user needing to evaluate what else is available in the
current crop of decision tree software.  I like CHAID and don't have any
big desire to switch; the company needs me to do a routine software
evaluation.
 
We primarily use CHAID for customer sat. applications, namely, examining
customer service attributes in survey data to see what predicts
satisfaction, customer loyalty, and value.  For these purposes, the
important features of CHAID are 1) its ability to compare predictors of
mixed data types (nominal to ratio), 2) the predictor list output, and 3)
segmentation tree output.
 
I'm mainly looking for testimonials from users of CHAID and its
alternatives.  Also, any and all mentions of program names and other
places to find advice would be appreciated.  And please steer me toward
the archives if y'all have covered this topic previously.
 
I recognize some of your names from lurking sproradically in the past &
look forward to getting acquainted.
 
Thanks,
Tom Welander
Elrick & Lavidge
Atlanta