The correct answer is D. It allows scientists to compare the possible outcomes of several different decisions.
Using a computer model of the spread of a disease provides several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows scientists to compare the possible outcomes of different decisions. For example, they can simulate the impact of implementing different preventive measures, such as vaccination campaigns or social distancing policies, and observe how these decisions affect the spread of the disease over time. This enables scientists to make more informed decisions and develop strategies that are likely to be more effective in controlling the disease.
Computer models can also be used to study details of the disease that are too small to be observed directly. For instance, they can simulate the interactions between individual people within a population and track how the disease spreads from person to person. This level of detail helps researchers understand the dynamics of the disease transmission and identify factors that contribute to its spread.
However, computer models do not provide information about how a possible treatment for the disease will affect a specific individual (option A). Instead, they focus on population-level trends and predictions. Additionally, computer models can estimate the potential impact of a disease on each person in the population (option C), but this is not their primary purpose.
In summary, using a computer model of the spread of a disease allows scientists to compare different decisions and predict their outcomes. This helps in developing effective strategies for disease control.