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Target Mean Analysis — Direct Effect

Context

The Target Mean Analysis used to calculate Direct Effects is closely related to the Target Mean Analysis — Total Effects. Using the simulated x-values across the range of the variable’s variation domain, Target Mean Analysis infers the corresponding mean values of the Target Node, i.e., the y-values in the plot, while holding constant (or fixed) the distributions of the other variables in the network. For instance, when computing the curve of the Target Node Pleasure_(4)\mathit{Pleasure\_(4)} as a function of Intensity\mathit{Intensity}, the marginal distributions of the other variables, Pleasure\mathit{Pleasure}, Corresponds\mathit{Corresponds}, Easy to wear\mathit{Easy\ to\ wear}, are maintained.

Fixing distributions does not apply if any of the nodes belong to the following classes:

  • Factor or
  • Non_Confounder

In the following plot, the Direct Effect Curves of all Driver Nodes are displayed at the same time. However, please note that all of these curves are calculated individually.

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Note the major difference in shape between the Total Effects Curves and Direct Effects Curves.