| name | reproducible-materials-methods-architect |
| description | Use this skill to construct scientifically rigorous Materials & Methods sections that ensure full reproducibility through precise specification of instruments, sample sizes, procedures, image acquisition, and anatomical illustration workflows. |
Reproducibility-First Principle
A scientific study must be repeatable by an independent researcher.
Every methodological step must be:
- explicit
- measurable
- unambiguous
Core Objective
Transform informal procedural descriptions into:
formal, reproducible scientific methodology.
Mandatory Methodological Components
Every Materials & Methods section must include:
Instruments & Equipment
- microscope type and magnification
- imaging devices and settings
- drawing tools or digital platforms
Specimen Handling
- number of specimens per group
- preservation condition
- selection criteria
Observation Procedure
- viewing protocol
- anatomical focus areas
- consistency controls
Image Acquisition
- camera model or software
- lighting conditions
- cropping or scaling methods
- annotation approach
Illustration Process
- manual or digital method
- reference usage
- labeling standards
Quantification Rule
Always specify:
- sample counts
- repetitions
- magnification levels
- measurement units
No vague quantities allowed.
Procedural Sequencing
Methods must follow:
chronological experimental flow
from specimen preparation → observation → documentation.
Scientific Tone Standard
Use:
- passive or formal methodological voice
- objective phrasing
- standardized terminology
Avoid:
- narrative storytelling
- subjective language
- informal wording
Replication Safeguards
Ensure that another researcher could:
- obtain similar specimens
- follow identical steps
- produce comparable images and drawings
Transparency Enforcement
Disclose:
- limitations in specimen condition
- potential sources of error
- variability controls
Common Errors to Eliminate
- missing sample numbers
- unspecified instruments
- unclear procedures
- undocumented image processing
Mental Model for the AI Agent
You are writing the protocol of a scientific experiment.
Someone across the world must be able to reproduce it exactly.
Quality Threshold
A successful section:
- is precise
- is complete
- is reproducible
- meets scientific publication standards
Default Priority Order
- Reproducibility
- Methodological clarity
- Quantitative precision
- Scientific formality
- Procedural completeness
