For one unit write and . Since the graph makes independent of , the known distributions determine the conditional assignment law
Under the sharp causal null hypothesis that has no effect on , delete . The D-separation criterion then gives
blocks the route through , blocks the route through , and block the collider-opened detours through and , and remains a collider on routes through .
For independent units , choose a test statistic that measures residual association between and . Hold fixed and independently draw
Recompute after each draw. A valid Monte Carlo conditional randomization test uses
with a two-sided statistic or absolute value when appropriate.
Under the null, conditional on , the observed and its resamples are exchangeable because they have the same product law . The rank of among the values is therefore uniform after randomized tie breaking and conservative without it. Consequently
Taking expectations proves unconditional Type I error control.