This paper examines the relationship between theory figures and causal claims in sociology articles. We find that the modal use of arrows in sociology are as expressions of causal relationship, that strong causal claims are disproportionately found in U.S. journals compared to European journals, and that visualization appears to promote clearer thinking and writing about causal relationships, amongst other notable findings. Our research suggests that arrow-based figures are a crucial cognitive and communicative resource in the expression of causal claims.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12108-024-09632-4?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20240720&utm_content=10.1007%2Fs12108-024-09632-4