When AI suggests a framework, ask for sources, boundary…
When AI assistants suggest frameworks or schemas, respond by asking for original research sources, boundary conditions, and strongest counterarguments rather than accepting or rejecting the claim directly.
When This Fires
- When an AI assistant proposes a framework, model, or principle
- When AI output sounds authoritative and you're tempted to adopt it directly
- During AI-assisted research when the AI's organizational framework feels compelling
- Any interaction where AI is generating schemas rather than executing instructions
Common Failure Mode
Accepting AI frameworks because they're well-articulated: "That's a really clear framework, I'll use it." Fluency is not evidence of accuracy. AI produces fluent, structured, coherent frameworks regardless of evidential foundation. The three-question protocol tests the foundation behind the fluency.
The Protocol
When AI suggests a framework: (1) Ask: "What original research supports this framework? Can you cite specific studies?" (2) Ask: "What are this framework's boundary conditions? Where does it fail or not apply?" (3) Ask: "What's the strongest argument against this framework?" (4) Evaluate the responses: strong sources + clear boundaries + genuine counterarguments → the framework has a real foundation. Vague sources + no boundaries + no counterarguments → the framework was synthesized without grounding. Treat it as a hypothesis to verify, not a conclusion to adopt.