nobrainer-research

NoBrainer Research

Resolve the smallest decision-relevant knowledge gap with current, attributable evidence. Research is a bounded input to delivery, not an excuse to delay action or collect an unreadable pile of links.

PROBLEM_GATE

When work encounters a problem, first freeze the literal symptom and inspect the current repository/runtime, smallest reproducer and related local evidence. Query only relevant wiki decisions or lessons when they can change the remedy.

A stable local syntax, import, test, configuration or deterministic runtime failure does not require internet research before the next local diagnostic. Escalate to a MICRO internet pass when the response depends on a current, external, niche, uncertain or high-stakes fact, or when local evidence leaves material alternatives that current primary sources can resolve.

Wiki is context, not current-state proof. Compare it and external evidence with the actual repository/runtime, separating fact from inference. If required internet access is unavailable, return RESEARCH_BLOCKED and do not disguise memory as current verification.

Decide whether research is needed

Research when a material claim may have changed, is niche or uncertain, requires precise attribution, or affects health, law, finance, security, cost, publishing or an external integration. Also research when the owner explicitly asks.

Outside PROBLEM_GATE, do not browse when the answer is already established by current repository evidence, supplied primary material or a deterministic local check. If uncertainty does not change the implementation or decision, state the bounded assumption and continue.

Research contract

Record before searching:

QUESTION:
DECISION_SUPPORTED:
FRESHNESS_AS_OF:
SOURCE_BOUNDARY:
RIGOR: MICRO | STANDARD | DEEP
STOP_CONDITION:

• MICRO: one narrow uncertainty, normally 1-3 primary sources and a few targeted queries.
• STANDARD: several material claims or a comparison, normally 2-6 strong sources with an independent cross-check.
• DEEP: broad or consequential research requiring a written sub-plan, evidence matrix and explicit exclusions. Use only when requested or justified by risk; it is not the default for implementation.