| name | hypothesis-comparison-matrix |
| description | SOP: Build a multi-dimensional comparison matrix of competing hypotheses |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| category | hypothesis-formation |
| type | sop |
| campaign | hypothesis-formulation |
| input | Set of competing hypotheses + discriminating predictions (from upstream output) |
| output | Structured comparison matrix (table + overall assessment) |
| dependencies | {"skills":["subagent-spawning"]} |
Hypothesis Comparison Matrix
Build a multi-dimensional comparison matrix of competing hypotheses, highlight key differences, and support informed selection.
HARD-GATE
Preconditions (all must hold before starting):
1. ≥2 hypotheses already exist (primary hypothesis + ≥1 competing hypothesis)
2. Hypotheses contain basic components such as mechanism and predictions
Not met → stop and return error: at least 2 hypotheses are required to build a comparison matrix.
Pipeline
- Precondition check: verify completeness of the hypothesis set
- Dimension determination: select comparison dimensions (default: mechanism type / evidence support / testability / parsimony / explanatory scope / theoretical basis)
- Hypothesis-by-hypothesis, dimension-by-dimension population: assign a value for each hypothesis on each dimension
- Difference highlighting: mark the dimensions with the largest differences between hypotheses
- Overall assessment: give an overall recommendation based on the matrix
- Output the structured comparison table
Output Format
{
"dimensions": ["mechanism_type", "evidence_support", "testability", "parsimony", "scope", "theoretical_basis"],
"matrix": [
{
"hypothesis_id": "H1",
"label": "Primary Hypothesis",
"statement": "...",
"mechanism_type"
