Problem Classifier

Preconditions

• planning/parse/problem_parse.json exists and maps every Qx to an output.
• Material framing ambiguities are visible.

Read legacy parse paths only during migration.

Task Types

• evaluation/ranking;
• prediction/estimation;
• optimization/decision;
• mechanism/dynamics;
• classification/clustering;
• graph/routing/network;
• simulation/scenario;
• descriptive/inference;
• mixed.

Detailed cues are in references/task-type-guide.md.

Workflow

1. Classify from the required output, decision structure, constraints, and relationships—not keywords alone.
2. Assign:
   • primary type;
   • optional secondary type;
   • confidence;
   • evidence from the parse;
   • consequences for validation and deliverables.
3. Identify mixed or ambiguous framings that would change what the team can claim.
4. For a load-bearing ambiguity, invoke one choice card explaining consequences. Do not silently settle it.
5. Save planning/classification/problem_classification.json.
6. Record the human framing decision in methods/Qx/qx_decisions.jsonl, or in planning/framing_decisions.jsonl when the Qx method directory does not yet exist.

Output Contract

{
  "schema_version": 1,
  "subquestions": [
    {
      "id": "Q1",
      "primary_type": "evaluation",
      "secondary_type": null,
      "confidence": "high",
      "evidence": [],
      "required_validation": [],
      "framing_decision_id": null,
      "risks": []
    }
  ]
}

Rules

• Do not propose or choose methods.
• Do not classify only from nouns such as “forecast” or “optimal”; verify the required output.
• A subquestion may be mixed, but avoid listing many types without prioritization.
• Human framing is required when alternative classifications lead to materially different outputs or claims.
• Do not create a long taxonomy report when the JSON record is sufficient.

Verification

• Every Qx has one primary type.
• Mixed/secondary types are justified.
• Classification evidence resolves to the parse.
• Ambiguous framing is human-confirmed or remains a blocker.
• No algorithm selection leaked into classification.

Reference

• references/task-type-guide.md