# Factorization of the Partial Covariance in Singly-Connected Path Diagrams

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2002.05226 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2002.05226/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 12 Feb 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [SSL Framework for Causal Inconsistency between Structures and Representations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.18634/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We extend path analysis by showing that, for a singly-connected path diagram, the partial covariance of two random variables factorizes over the nodes and edges in the path between the variables. This result allows us to determine the contribution of each node and edge to the partial covariance. It also allows us to show that Simpson's paradox cannot occur in singly-connected path diagrams.