research-types-comparative

Comparative Research Sub-Skill

Router-dispatched paradigm sub-skill for Comparative research. Not directly model-invocable; the research-agent parent loads this sub-skill only when Phase 1 detection classifies the question as Comparative.

When This Sub-Skill Loads

The parent router dispatches here when the input question contains signals like:

• "Compare X and Y"
• "Which is better"
• "Alternatives to X"
• "Options for X"
• "X vs. Y"
• "Trade-offs between"
• "Choose between"

Disambiguation rule (from research-agent/references/research-type-patterns.md): "Compare X to understand Y" where understanding Y is the goal → Exploratory, not Comparative. Comparison is a method, not the purpose. Only route to Comparative when the user is choosing between identifiable options.

Framework Selection

Framework	Use When
PICO	Comparing interventions on a measurable outcome (e.g., "Redis vs Memcached for session storage on latency")
None	Multi-criteria comparison with no single dominant outcome; use Decision Matrix with weighted criteria

SPICE applies if the comparison is experiential ("from the perspective of senior engineers, async vs sync code review"). PECO is rare — exposure-comparison maps better to Evaluative.

Output Pattern: Decision Matrix

Use this pattern verbatim for the Findings section (parent skill's Phase 6 Synthesis output):

## Research Type: Comparative
## Framework: [None / PICO]

## Options Being Compared
[A], [B], [C]

## Evaluation Criteria (defined before gathering)
| Criterion | Weight | Rationale |
|-----------|--------|-----------|
| ...       | x%     | ...       |

## Decision Matrix
| Criterion | Weight | Option A | Option B | Option C | Evidence [citations] |
|-----------|--------|----------|----------|----------|----------------------|
| ...       | x%     | [score]  | [score]  | [score]  | [S1], [S2]           |

## Dimension Deep-Dives
[For each high-weight criterion: detailed comparison with supporting evidence]

## SWOT per Option (when strategic context applies)
**Option A:** Strengths / Weaknesses / Opportunities / Threats

## Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Necessary conditions for success: [...]
Sufficient conditions for success: [...]

## Recommendation
**Recommended:** [Option X]
**Rationale:** [Why this best fits stated needs - with citations]
**Risk trade-offs:** [What is given up]
**Conditions where this changes:** [Edge cases that favor a different option]