Foundations of Causal Modeling

This unit introduces conceptual and process models used in causal AI, the fundamental building blocks of causal models, and the elements of effective visual modeling. It also prepares students to work within hybrid teams by defining roles, project steps, and collaboration practices needed to create and refine complex causal models.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and differentiate conceptual and process models to determine appropriate modeling approaches for causal AI problems
• Apply the fundamental building blocks and elements of visual modeling to construct clear causal diagrams that represent variables, relationships, interventions, and underlying assumptions
• Demonstrate the sequential steps of a causal modeling process to decompose and iteratively refine complex models for stakeholder needs
• Evaluate hybrid team roles and collaboration strategies to plan and document a hybrid-team project workflow for model creation and stakeholder communication