JSM 2015 Preliminary Program

Online Program Home
My Program

Abstract Details

Activity Number: 182
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Monday, August 10, 2015 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistics and the Environment
Abstract #315985
Title: Graphical Causal Models: The Next Multimodel Inference Regime Change Needed in Ecology?
Author(s): Kathryn Irvine* and Alix I. Gitelman
Companies: and Oregon State University
Keywords: path analysis ; model comparison ; causality ; structural equation model
Abstract:

Ecological applications of causal analysis are becoming more common. This approach requires synthesizing current scientific knowledge such that connections among ecological indicators and key ecosystem states or processes can be conveyed via a directed acyclic graph. Measured variables are represented as nodes within the graph. The connections among nodes could be a direct link (suggesting a cause-effect relationship) or indirect pathway (suggesting a cause-effect relationship is mediated by other variables). These pathways provide a more nuanced understanding of ecological mechanisms by harnessing the "network of predictors." However, possible confounder and moderator variables need to be considered. We discuss the similarities and differences between classic structural equation models, path analysis, statistical graphical models, and functional causal models. Further we explore two methods for selecting among competing graphs with different proposed linkage structures. One is based on a d-separation test statistic and the other is based on the Markov condition of the directed acyclic graph. We assess these two approaches using a simulation study.


Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.

Back to the full JSM 2015 program





For program information, contact the JSM Registration Department or phone (888) 231-3473.

For Professional Development information, contact the Education Department.

The views expressed here are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the JSM sponsors, their officers, or their staff.

2015 JSM Online Program Home