anomaly-characterization

name	anomaly-characterization
description	SOP: Describe and classify anomalous phenomena that existing theory cannot explain
version	1.0.0
category	hypothesis-formation
type	sop
campaign	hypothesis-formulation
input	Anomalous observation description (data, experimental results, literature contradictions)
output	Structured anomaly description (phenomenon + deviation quantification + classification + exclusion of known explanations)
dependencies	{"skills":["subagent-spawning"]}

Anomaly Characterization

Systematically describe and classify anomalous phenomena to provide a precise starting point for abductive reasoning.

HARD-GATE

Preconditions (all must hold before starting): 1. A concrete anomalous observation description is available (not a vague "the result is strange") 2. A reference baseline exists (expected result or theoretical prediction) for quantifying deviation

Not satisfied → stop and return error: anomaly description insufficient, concrete observation and reference baseline required.

Pipeline

1. Precondition check: verify completeness of anomaly description and reference baseline
2. Phenomenon description: restate the anomaly in precise language (what was observed vs. what was expected)
3. Quantify deviation from expectation: quantify or qualitatively describe the degree of deviation (magnitude, direction, frequency)
4. Exclude known explanations: enumerate and rule out possible trivial explanations one by one (measurement error, sampling bias, known effects)
5. Anomaly classification: categorize the anomaly (unexpected absence / unexpected presence / unexpected magnitude / unexpected pattern / unexpected timing)
6. Output structured anomaly description

Output Format

{
  "anomaly_id": "A1",
  "phenomenon": "Precise description of what was observed",
  "expected": "What theory or prior evidence predicted",
  "deviation": {
    "direction": "higher | lower | absent | present | different_pattern",
    "magnitude": "Quantitative or qualitative estimate",
    "frequency": "Isolated | recurring | systematic"
  }