| name | cs-research-methodology |
| description | Conduct a literature review and develop a CS research proposal. Use when asked to review a research area, find gaps in existing work, and propose a novel research contribution. The output is a research proposal identifying an assumption to challenge (the "bit flip") and how to validate it. |
CS Research Methodology
Framework for investigating problems by identifying assumptions and proposing alternatives.
Core Concept: The Bit Flip
Every research contribution follows this pattern:
- The Bit: What does everyone assume?
- The Flip: What's the alternative?
- The Proof: Why does the alternative work better?
Investigation Process
Step 1: Identify the Bit
What do existing approaches take for granted?
- What do all solutions have in common?
- What's implicit in how the problem is framed?
→ See references/framing.md for process and examples.
Step 2: Find Where It Fails
When does the assumption break down?
- Edge cases, new capabilities, adjacent fields solving it differently
→ See references/landscape.md for mapping approaches.
Step 3: Propose the Flip
"Current approaches assume X. Instead, Y."
- Must be specific and testable
- Explain the mechanism
→ See references/prioritization.md for focusing investigation.
Step 4: Design the Proof
What evidence would be convincing?
- Match evaluation to claim type
→ See references/validation.md for evaluation design.
