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# CIS Primer Question 3.3.2

Here are my solutions to question 3.3.2 of Causal Inference in Statistics: a Primer (CISP).

## Part a

The following DAG is a possible casual graph representing the situation. We wish to find the causal effect of the plan on weight gain. The weight gain $$W_g$$ is defined as a linear function of the initial and final weights. From the graph we see that the plan chosen by the students is a function of their initial weight.

## Part b

Since initial weight $$W_I$$ is a confounder of plan and weight gain, the second statistician is correct to condition on initial weight.

## Part c

The causal diagram here is essentially the same as in Simpson’s paradox. The debate is essentially the direction of the arrow between initial weight and plan.