Agent skill · research science · erichowens
research-craft
Systematic research methodology for formulating problems, building evidence-based arguments, and communicating findings in academic contexts. For scholarly writing, thesis development, and
Why this skill is useful
Provides a systematic methodology for academic research that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 8k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-07-14. 180 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Research Craft Master the systematic process of formulating meaningful research problems, constructing evidence-based arguments, and communicating findings that contribute to scholarly conversations. When to Use ✅ Use for: Academic research papers, thesis/dissertation work, scholarly article writing, literature reviews, evidence-based argumentation, knowledge synthesis, participating in disciplinary conversations ❌ NOT for: Creative writing, journalistic reporting, business case studies, technical documentation, marketing content, personal essays, opinion pieces Core Process Problem Formulation Decision Tree Argument Construction Decision Tree Source Evaluation Decision Tree Revision Decision Tree Anti-Patterns Data Dump Novice approach: Accumulates information without guiding question, creating pastiche of vaguely related facts. Presents evidence excessively without interpretation. Expert approach: Formulates clear research question before gathering evidence. Balances evidence (~1/3 of section) with reasons and interpretation showing how evidence supports claims. Timeline to mastery: Internalized after 2-3 major research projects where early aimless collection causes crisis, forcing recognition that questions must precede answers. --- Warrant-Based Factual Claims Novice approach: Supports factual claims with elaborate reasoning and logical principles alone, without presenting hard evidence from the world. Expert approach: Distinguishes sharply between reasons (assertions from thinking) and evidence (data from world). Bases reasons on evidence, never evidence on reasons. Reserves warrant-heavy arguments for conceptual claims only. Timeline to mastery: Requires shift from high school essay mode (where reasoning suffices) to research mode (where data is king). Typically 1-2 semesters of feedback cycles. --- Arrogant Certainty Novice approach: States claims with absolute confidence using "all," "never," "always," "proves." Hides weaknesses hoping readers won't notice. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills erichowens/research-craft