Inferring causal pathways among three or more variables from steady-state correlations in a homeostatic system.

ABSTRACT: Cross-sectional correlations between two variables have limited implications for causality. We examine here whether it is possible to make causal inferences from steady-state data in a homeostatic system with three or more inter-correlated variables. Every putative pathway between three variables makes a set of differential predictions that can be tested with steady state data. For example, among 3 variables, A, B and C, the coefficient of determination, [Formula: see text] is predicted by the product of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for some pathways, but not for others. Residuals from a regression line are independent of residuals from another regression for some pathways, but positively or negatively correlated for certain other pathways. Different pathways therefore have

SUBMITTER: Chawla S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6181337 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature