investigative-reasoning

Analyze contested events by constructing dual hypotheses and verifying primary-source evidence.

3|2|Updated Apr 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/patricksavalle/investigate-journalism-skills --skill investigative-reasoning
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigative-reasoning
Source: https://github.com/patricksavalle/investigate-journalism-skills/tree/main/.agents/skills/investigative-reasoning
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/patricksavalle/investigate-journalism-skills --skill investigative-reasoning

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill addresses the tendency of AI to default to official narratives or training-data biases by providing a rigorous, rule-based framework for investigating contested events, identifying deception, and constructing evidence-backed alternative hypotheses.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Dual-Hypothesis Construction: Forces the development of both the official narrative and a best-alternative hypothesis to prevent confirmation bias.
  • Influence-Operation Detection: Uses a comprehensive matrix of 18 influence patterns (e.g., false flags, astroturfing, limited hangouts) to identify potential narrative manipulation.
  • Evidence Integrity Auditing: Applies strict warrant labeling and source-tiering to ensure that only verified, primary-source evidence is used for load-bearing conclusions.

Quick Start

Apply the investigative-reasoning skill to analyze the provided event narrative and develop two competing hypotheses based on primary source evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigative-reasoning

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I analyze contested events and detect deception in competing narratives?

To analyze contested events and detect deception, this skill applies critical thinking and scientific reasoning to generate dual competing hypotheses. It forces the development of both the official narrative and a best-alternative hypothesis to prevent confirmation bias.

What is influence-operation detection and how does it identify narrative manipulation?

Influence-operation detection identifies narrative manipulation by pattern matching against a matrix of 18 specific tactics. It detects deceptive techniques like false flags, astroturfing, and limited hangouts within the analyzed event narratives.

How do I verify primary sources and audit evidence integrity for critical investigations?

You verify primary sources and audit evidence integrity by applying strict warrant labeling and source-tiering. This ensures that only verified, primary-source evidence is used for load-bearing conclusions in your investigation.

Can I use this framework to prevent AI bias and official narrative defaults?

Yes, you can use this framework to prevent AI bias and official narrative defaults. It provides a rigorous, rule-based structure for investigating contested events, overriding training-data biases by requiring primary source steelmanning and pre-search hypothesis registration.

What is the best way to map institutional networks during a critical investigation?

The best way to map institutional networks during a critical investigation is by using a structured analytical framework. This skill satisfies institutional network mapping requirements alongside hypothesis generation and rigorous source verification.

Are there limitations to using detective methods for fact checking and OSINT analysis?

A limitation of using detective methods for fact checking is the strict reliance on verified primary sources for load-bearing conclusions. If pre-search hypothesis registration and web-based primary source steelmanning cannot be satisfied, the investigation remains incomplete.