hypothesis-generation

Files (4)

• SKILL.md
• experimental_design_patterns.md · references/
• hypothesis_quality_criteria.md · references/
• literature_search_strategies.md · references/

SKILL.md (first lines)

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  来源仓库: https://github.com/K-Dense-AI/claude-scientific-skills
  项目名称: claude-scientific-skills
  开源协议: MIT License
  收录日期: 2026-04-02

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# Scientific Hypothesis Generation

## Overview

Hypothesis generation is a systematic process for developing testable explanations. Formulate evidence-based hypotheses from observations, design experiments, explore competing explanations, and develop predictions. Apply this skill for scientific inquiry across domains.

## When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:
- Developing hypotheses from observations or preliminary data
- Designing experiments to test scientific questions
- Exploring competing explanations for phenomena
- Formulating testable predictions for research
- Conducting literature-based hypothesis generation
- Planning mechanistic studies across scientific domains

## Visual Enhancement with Scientific Schematics

**⚠️ MANDATORY: Every hypothesis generation report MUST include at least 1-2 AI-generated figures using the scientific-schematics skill.**

This is not optional. Hypothesis reports without visual elements are incomplete. Before finalizing any document:
1. Generate at minimum ONE schematic or diagram (e.g., hypothesis framework showing competing explanations)
2. Prefer 2-3 figures for comprehensive reports (mechanistic pathway, experimental design flowchart, prediction decision tree)

**How to generate figures:**
- Use the **scientific-schematics** skill to generate AI-powered publication-quality diagrams
- Simply describe your desired diagram in natural language
- Nano Banana Pro will automatically generate, review, and refine the schematic

**How to generate schematics:**
```bash
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "your diagram description" -o figures/output.png
```

The AI will automatically:
- Create publication-quality images with proper formatting
- Review and refine through multiple iterations
- Ensure accessibility (colorblind-friendly, high contrast)
- Save outputs in the figures/ directory

**When to add schematics:**
- Hypothesis framework diagrams showing competing explanations
- Experimental design flowcharts
- Mechanistic pathway diagrams
- Prediction decision trees
- Causal relationship diagrams
- Theoretical model visualizations
- Any complex concept that benefits from visualization

For detailed guidance on creating schematics, refer to the scientific-schematics skill documentation.

---

## Workflow

Follow this systematic process to generate robust scientific hypotheses:

### 1. Understand the Phenomenon

Start by clarifying the observation, question, or phenomenon that requires explanation:

- Identify the core observation or pattern that needs explanation
- Define the scope and boundaries of the phenomenon
- Note any constraints or specific contexts
- Clarify what is already known vs. what is uncertain
- Identify the relevant scientific domain(s)

### 2. Conduct Comprehensive Literature Search

Search existing scientific literature to ground hypotheses in current evidence. Use both PubMed (for biomedical topics) and general web search (for broader scientific domains):

**For biomedical topics:**
- Use WebFetch with PubMed URLs to access relevant literature
- Search for recent reviews, meta-analyses, and primary research
- Look for similar phenomena, related mechanisms, or analogous systems

**For all scientific domains:**
- Use WebSearch to find recent papers, preprints, and reviews
- Search for established theories, mechanisms, or frameworks
- Identify gaps in current understanding

**Search strategy:**
- Begin with broad searches to understand the landscape
- Narrow to specific mechanisms, pathways, or theories
- Look for contradictory findings or unresolved debates
- Consult `references/literature_search_strategies.md` for detailed search techniques

### 3. Synthesize Existing Evidence

Analyze and integrate findings from literature search:

- Summarize current understanding of the phenomenon
- Identify established mechanisms or theories that may apply
- Note conflicting evidence or alternative viewpoints
- Recognize gaps, limitations, or unanswered questions
- Identify analogies from related systems or domains

### 4. Generate Competing Hypotheses

Develop 3-5 distinct hypotheses that could explain the phenomenon. Each hypothesis should:

- Provide a mechanistic explanation (not just description)
- Be distinguishable from other hypotheses
- Draw on evidence from the literature synthesis

From brycewang-stanford/Auto-Empirical-Research-Skills, MIT.

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