Agent skill · research science · aiskillstore
meta-cognitive-reasoning
Meta-cognitive reasoning specialist for evidence-based analysis, hypothesis
Why this skill is useful
Provides a structured framework for evidence-based reasoning and hypothesis generation that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 7k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 405 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Meta-Cognitive Reasoning This skill provides disciplined reasoning frameworks for avoiding cognitive failures in analysis, reviews, and decision-making. It enforces evidence-based conclusions, multiple hypothesis generation, and systematic verification. When to Use This Skill Before making claims about code, systems, or versions When conducting code reviews or architectural assessments When debugging issues with multiple possible causes When encountering unfamiliar patterns or versions When making recommendations that could have significant impact When pattern matching triggers immediate conclusions When analyzing documentation or specifications During any task requiring rigorous analytical reasoning What This Skill Does 1. Evidence-Based Reasoning: Enforces showing evidence before interpretation 2. Multiple Hypothesis Generation: Prevents premature commitment to single explanation 3. Temporal Knowledge Verification: Handles knowledge cutoff limitations 4. Cognitive Failure Prevention: Recognizes and prevents common reasoning errors 5. Self-Correction Protocol: Provides framework for transparent error correction 6. Scope Discipline: Allocates cognitive effort appropriately Core Principles 1. Evidence-Based Reasoning Protocol Universal Rule: Never conclude without proof Forbidden Phrases: "I assume" "typically means" "appears to" "Tests pass" (without output) "Meets standards" (without evidence) Required Phrases: "Command shows: 'actual output' - interpretation" "Line N: 'code snippet' - meaning" "Let me verify..." -> tool output -> interpretation 2. Multiple Working Hypotheses When identical observations can arise from different mechanisms with opposite implications - investigate before concluding. Three-Layer Reasoning Model: Decision Framework: 1. Recognize multiple hypotheses exist What mechanisms could produce this observation? Which mechanisms have opposite implications? 2. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills aiskillstore/meta-cognitive-reasoning