What this chapter is all about#

In the previous chapter we introduced minimalist causal coding:

• we code links between named factors (plain-language labels)
• we let factor labels do most of the work (e.g. wealth vs poverty)
• we start from a links table (one row per coded causal claim), rather than building a separate factor metadata structure

That approach has general applicability. This folder collects a set of practical extensions that make the approach more useful for answering common evaluation questions — mainly by simplifying, querying, and comparing the map.

All the extensions in this folder are implemented in the Causal Map app, but the ideas are tool-independent.

As you read:

• start with the practitioner sections (“what is this for / how do I interpret it?”)
• where a page needs more formal material, it’s placed at the bottom under Formal notes (optional)

Formal notes (optional)#

If you want deeper theory/background (not required for using the method):

• Minimalist coding for causal mapping
• A formalisation of causal mapping