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Polynomial-time algorithms for counting and sampling Markov equivalent DAGs with applications

Published: 06 March 2024 Publication History

Abstract

Counting and sampling directed acyclic graphs from a Markov equivalence class are fundamental tasks in graphical causal analysis. In this paper we show that these tasks can be performed in polynomial time, solving a long-standing open problem in this area. Our algorithms are effective and easily implementable. As we show in experiments, these breakthroughs make thought-to-be-infeasible strategies in active learning of causal structures and causal effect identification with regard to a Markov equivalence class practically applicable.

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          cover image The Journal of Machine Learning Research
          The Journal of Machine Learning Research  Volume 24, Issue 1
          January 2023
          18881 pages
          ISSN:1532-4435
          EISSN:1533-7928
          Issue’s Table of Contents
          CC-BY 4.0

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          JMLR.org

          Publication History

          Published: 06 March 2024
          Accepted: 01 July 2023
          Revised: 01 April 2023
          Received: 01 May 2022
          Published in JMLR Volume 24, Issue 1

          Author Tags

          1. causal inference
          2. graphical models
          3. Markov equivalence
          4. interventions
          5. chordal graphs

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