Abstract
ObjectiveThough applied widely in the fields of medicine, finance, ecology, psychology, and computer science, machine learning algorithmic‐based methods are a relatively novel approach to social scientific analysis that have yet to be extensively applied. Yet as we argue in this article, a specific form of algorithmic analysis known as C4.5 classification trees has much to offer social analysis and, specifically, the study of social and political violence.MethodThis article describes four novel classification model comparison techniques for the C4.5 classification method and applies them to the study of terrorism.ResultsOur state‐level analysis suggests that there is something fundamentally different in the targeting choices of religious and secular terrorists.ConclusionThis analysis highlights the ability of classification trees to heighten our understanding of terrorism and even provide recommendations to policymakers for avoiding future attacks.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
