In a decision tree, what do branches typically symbolize?

In a decision tree, branches are utilized to represent the various possible decisions and their associated outcomes. Each branch illustrates a pathway that can be taken from a specific decision point, leading to different potential results based on those decisions. This structure helps in visualizing the decision-making process, allowing individuals to assess the implications of each choice, including probabilities and expected payoffs.

The other options do not accurately capture the function of branches within a decision tree. Guaranteed returns on investments pertain more to financial instruments rather than the decision-making visualization in a tree structure. Comprehensive data sources refer to information utilized for analysis and do not relate directly to the decision pathways depicted in a decision tree. Obstacles to achieving goals represent challenges or barriers that one might face, rather than potential outcomes of decisions made in a decision tree. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential role branches play in depicting decisions and their consequences within the framework of a decision tree.