A Unified Graphical Criterion for Characterizing the Causal Interpretation of Partial Regression Coefficients in Linear Structural Equation Models
线性结构方程模型中偏回归系数因果解释的统一图判据
This paper provides a graph-based characterization of partial regression coefficients in linear structural equation models. First, we derive a generalized graphical criterion that unifies the d-separation, single-door, and back-door criteria. This criterion provides a generically necessary and sufficient condition under which a partial regression coefficient coincides with a linear causal effect that is not mediated by other explanatory variables. Second, we clarify the…