CausalStep
A single step within a causal pathway, describing one link in the chain of causation. Each step explains what happens (mechanism) and what results from it.
Properties
| Property | Expected Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| stepNumber | Integer | Position in the sequence (1, 2, 3...) |
| mechanism | Text | What happens at this step—the process or action |
| result | Text | The outcome of this step |
| timeDelay | Duration or Text | Time before this step leads to the next |
| evidenceSource | URL or Text | Supporting evidence for this step |
Example
JSON-LD
{
"@context": "https://causalschema.org/context.jsonld",
"@type": "CausalStep",
"stepNumber": 2,
"mechanism": "Capillary action draws moisture upward through porous masonry",
"result": "Moisture rises through wall to maximum height of 1-1.5 metres",
"timeDelay": "P2W",
"evidenceSource": "BRE Good Building Guide 6"
}Usage Notes
CausalStep is always used within a CausalPathway as part of the pathwaySteps property. Steps should be ordered using stepNumber to ensure correct sequencing.