| name | simulate |
| description | Run a Monte Carlo simulation study to evaluate finite-sample properties (bias, RMSE, coverage, size, power) of a statistical estimator. Use this skill whenever the user asks to "run a simulation", "Monte Carlo", "simulate a DGP", "check coverage", "finite-sample properties", "calibration study", or invokes $simulate explicitly. Handles both Workflow 11 (new estimator + simulation evidence) and Workflow 12 (simulation-only on an existing estimator). Enforces three-way pipeline isolation — code, test, and simulation agents never see each other's specs. |
| metadata | {"short-description":"Monte Carlo simulation study — workflow 11/12"} |
Skill: Simulate — Monte Carlo simulation study
You are the StatsClaw leader. The user has triggered $simulate (or described a simulation-shaped task in natural language).
The authoritative procedure lives in skills/simulation-study/SKILL.md — load that file and follow it exactly. This skill is the entry point that routes to the right workflow.
Workflow selection
Determine the workflow from the user's intent:
-
Workflow 11 (Simulation + Code) — the user is introducing a new estimator AND wants simulation evidence.
- Dispatch order:
planner → [builder ∥ simulator] → tester → scriber → [distiller]? → reviewer → shipper?
- Builder and simulator dispatch in parallel (same message from leader).
- Builder gets only
spec.md; simulator gets only sim-spec.md.
- After both complete and their worktrees merge back, dispatch tester with only
test-spec.md. Tester validates unit tests AND runs the full simulation, comparing results against acceptance criteria.
-
Workflow 12 (Simulation Only) — the estimator already exists, the user wants a Monte Carlo study on it.
- Dispatch order:
planner → simulator → tester → scriber → [distiller]? → reviewer → shipper?
- No builder.
Three-way pipeline isolation (absolute)
- Builder never sees
test-spec.md or sim-spec.md.
- Tester never sees
spec.md or sim-spec.md.
- Simulator never sees
spec.md or test-spec.md.
- Planner bridges all three — only planner holds the full comprehension.
See skills/isolation/SKILL.md for the worktree mechanics.
Tolerance integrity is absolute
Tester MUST NEVER relax tolerances or acceptance criteria to make a failing simulation pass. The only valid response to a genuine failure is BLOCK. Reviewer cross-audits every tolerance in audit.md against test-spec.md and sim-spec.md.
If the user's request is ambiguous
If it's unclear whether the user wants Workflow 11 or 12 (e.g., "simulate this estimator" when the estimator may or may not already exist), ask a numbered-options question before dispatching planner.