Going from models to action: Using causal knowledge for everyday choices

Causal models are argued to be useful because they enable prediction, intervention, and explanation. Unlike correlations, causal knowledge lets us know which variables to intervene on to bring about desired outcomes. However, little has been known about how people use causal models to make decisions. While complete models provide insight into a system, they can be too complex to reason about. Furthermore, in everyday situations, people combine causal models with their existing knowledge. This chapter discusses what it means for a causal model to be useful, how to evaluate the utility of a causal model, and psychological research on how people use causal models for decision-making.