Free tutorial on causal inference frameworks and causal modelling

I am happy to announce that a free video tutorial on causal inference frameworks and causal modelling is available at the following address: https://www.sergiofocardi.net/tutorial-causal-models

The slides of the tutorial are available at the address: https://www.sergiofocardi.net/tutorial-causal-models-ppt

In this tutorial I present the basic notions needed to understand the Potential Outcomes framework as well as the modern development of causal models.

I first discuss the four different forms of scientific and causal explanation:

1.        The fundamental Descriptive-Nomological scientific explanation.

2.        Causal and non-causal functional explanations for systems described by fundamental laws such as physics.

3.        Associative and functional explanation for complex systems where fundamental laws are not available.

4.        Causal explanation for complex systems where fundamental laws are not available.

The course discusses the difference between functional laws that describe the functioning of a system and causation that implies interventions and control.

The course then discusses the Potential Outcomes framework and introduces causal models: Causal Graphical Models and Structural Causal Models/ Finally we discuss algorithms for causal discovery.

Should you have any comment or question on the topics discussed in the course please send me an email: sergio.m.focardi@gmail.com or sergio.focardi@edu.unige.it.