Z is a good control here because it blocks the backdoor path X-Z-U-Y.

U is the confounder along this path. Z is a mediator along the U->Z->X path. Thus by controlling for Z we effectively negate the backdoor path.

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Common causes of X and Y or any mediator between X and Y confound the causal effect of X on Y.

Common Good controls in causal inference

Z is a good control here because it blocks the backdoor path X-Z-M-Y.

Z is the confounder since there is a path from Z to X and Y (with M as a mediator). Thus by controlling for Z we effectively negate the backdoor path.

Explaining X<-Z->M->Y

Z is a good control here because it blocks the backdoor path X-U-Z-Y.

U is the confounder along this path. Z is a mediator along the U->Z->Y path. Thus by controlling for Z we effectively negate the backdoor path and resolve the confounding effect of U.

Explaining X->U->Z->Y

Good Control X<-U->Z->Y

U is the confounder here since there is a path to both X and Y (via mediators Z and M) from U. However, the hollow circle shows us that U cannot be controlled for. 
If we control Z however, we break the path from U to Y via Z and M. Thus U is no longer a confounder and we can break the back door path. 
Z is thus a good control.

Explaining X<-U->Z->M->Y

U is the confounder here since there is a path to both X(via mediator Z) and Y (via mediator M) from U. However, the hollow circle shows us that U cannot be controlled for. 
If we control Z however, we break the path from U to X via Z. Thus U is no longer a confounder and we can break the back door path. 
Z is thus a good control.

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