scientific-problem-selection

Guide researchers in selecting and evaluating scientific research problems.

1|Updated Mar 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ilove323/comlan-skills --skill scientific-problem-selection-ilove323
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
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Skill: scientific-problem-selection
Source: https://github.com/ilove323/comlan-skills/tree/main/bio-research/skills/scientific-problem-selection
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ilove323/comlan-skills --skill scientific-problem-selection-ilove323

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Helps scientists and research teams choose, evaluate, and reframe research problems so time and effort focus on projects with feasible validation paths and high potential impact. It reduces wasted years on low-leverage work by making assumptions explicit, surfacing key risks, and converting uncertainty into testable decisions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured ideation: Guided prompts and "intuition pumps" to generate and refine multiple project ideas with novelty and impact checks.
  • Risk-first planning: Systematic hypothesis listing, risk scoring, and rapid pass/fail experiment design to surface late-stage, high-impact risks early.
  • Optimization & strategy: Define success metrics, parameter fixation strategies, decision-tree navigation, adversity plans, and problem-reversal tactics.
  • Integration & deliverables: Produces concise artifacts (idea brief, 2-page risk assessment, impact assessment, parameter strategy, decision-tree map, and communication materials) and integrates literature references for evidence-based calibration.
  • Use cases: a graduate student choosing a thesis topic, a postdoc reframing stalled work, a PI planning lab direction, or a founder evaluating scientific product strategy.

Quick Start

Evaluate this research idea in 2 paragraphs, list the top 3 risks with a 1-5 score and propose the next three pass/fail experiments.

Frequently Asked Questions about scientific-problem-selection

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I select a high-impact research project for my thesis?

To select a high-impact research project, use structured ideation to generate ideas and apply risk-first planning to evaluate feasibility. This approach surfaces key risks early and produces a two-page risk assessment with pass/fail experiments to ensure your thesis has a viable validation path.

What is the best way to assess risks in a scientific research strategy?

The best way to assess risks in a scientific research strategy is through systematic hypothesis listing and risk scoring. This process identifies late-stage, high-impact risks early by designing rapid pass/fail experiments, converting uncertainty into testable decisions for your project.

How do you design pass/fail experiments for project planning?

Designing pass/fail experiments for project planning involves listing critical hypotheses and scoring their risks. You then create rapid, targeted tests to validate these assumptions, producing a structured risk assessment that helps you avoid wasted effort on low-leverage work.

Can I use a decision tree to navigate stalled research problems?

Yes, you can use a decision tree to navigate stalled research problems by mapping out strategic choices and adversity plans. This method helps reframe stalled work by defining success metrics, parameter fixation strategies, and problem-reversal tactics to find a clear path forward.

Does literature review integration help with research problem selection?

Literature review integration helps with research problem selection by providing evidence-based calibration for your ideas. It generates literature-backed references that validate the novelty and potential impact of your research, ensuring your selected problem is grounded in existing science.

When should I not use risk-first planning for scientific research?

You should avoid risk-first planning when your research lacks clear hypotheses or when immediate empirical exploration is required before defining parameters. This approach relies on making assumptions explicit to convert uncertainty into testable decisions, which may not suit purely exploratory or unstructured inquiries.