theory-fit-assessment

What problem does it solve?

This Skill prevents researchers from “labeling” a study with a well-known theory by systematically evaluating whether a selected theory genuinely matches a specific research question, including mechanisms, assumptions, analysis level, and empirical feasibility.

Core Features & Use Cases

• Theory-to-question fit assessment across six dimensions: evaluates problem-domain match, mechanism correspondence, epistemological compatibility, level-of-analysis alignment, empirical operationalizability, and China-context transferability.
• Decision support for single or multiple candidate theories: runs a full assessment per candidate and then enables cross-theory comparison to reach a clearer selection.
• Prevents common misuse of theories: flags category errors (domain mismatch), mechanism mismatches (right topic, wrong mechanism), and assumption clashes (e.g., epistemology or analysis-level conflicts).

Quick Start

Ask the agent: “I want to assess whether Bourdieu’s field theory fits my study question: ‘How do platform food delivery riders interpret and respond to labor management controls?’ The main concepts I plan to use are field, capitals, and habitus; my data are interview transcripts—should I use Bourdieu, and what are the risks or needed adjustments?”